covered entities

**covered entities**
In the context of healthcare and data privacy, “covered entities” refer to organizations or individuals that are subject to specific regulatory requirements, such as those outlined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). These typically include healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses that handle protected health information (PHI). Understanding who qualifies as a covered entity is essential for compliance and ensuring the proper safeguarding of sensitive health data.