What constitutes a breach in healthcare?

A breach in healthcare is primarily defined by unauthorized access or disclosure of protected health information (PHI). This involves any situation where sensitive patient data is accessed or shared without proper authorization or outside the stipulated guidelines under healthcare privacy laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

When PHI is disclosed without the patient's consent or without meeting legal requirements, it compromises patient confidentiality and trust, as well as violates legal standards designed to protect sensitive health information. This is why the situation described in the correct answer is considered a definitive breach; it directly contravenes the rights and protections afforded to patients regarding their personal health information.

In contrast, voluntary disclosures by patients, routine sharing of information for treatment purposes, and approved audits of healthcare records are all activities that can occur within the regulatory framework and are generally allowed under the law, provided that they are conducted properly and with the appropriate permissions or oversight. These activities either abide by the privacy standards or are specifically permitted, thereby not constituting a breach.