What type of user refers to lawyers or police who may access PHI?

The correct answer identifies lawyers or police as secondary users of personal health information (PHI). Secondary users are individuals or entities that access health information not for direct patient care, but rather for purposes such as legal proceedings, investigations, or other non-clinical uses.

This distinction is important because it highlights how health information is utilized beyond the healthcare setting. Secondary users engage with PHI to support their work in law enforcement, legal representation, or compliance investigations. As such, their access is typically regulated to ensure that patient confidentiality is maintained and that the information is used appropriately.

In contrast, primary users are those who directly provide care to patients, such as doctors and nurses, while regulated users typically refer to entities governed by specific regulations regarding health information access, such as insurance companies or government agencies. Tertiary users often refer to individuals or groups who might access aggregated data for research or public health purposes without direct involvement in patient care. Understanding these classifications is essential for comprehending the various roles stakeholders have concerning health information management.