Who is required to comply with HIPAA regulations?

The requirement to comply with HIPAA regulations applies broadly to a variety of entities involved in healthcare. Health care providers, clearinghouses, and health plans are classified as "covered entities" under HIPAA. This designation includes any health care provider who transmits health information in electronic form during a transaction; health plans, which include health insurance companies, HMOs, and government programs; and health care clearinghouses, which process health information data.

HIPAA is designed to safeguard patient information and ensure its privacy and security, so it has specific obligations for these organizations concerning the handling, storing, and transmitting of protected health information (PHI). This framework helps protect patient confidentiality and establishes standards for electronic health care transactions.

While pharmaceutical companies and health insurance brokers may also play roles in healthcare, they do not fall under the strict definition of 'covered entities' as outlined by HIPAA unless they are directly involved in the handling of PHI in a way that fits the criteria set by the regulation. Therefore, the coverage under HIPAA is specifically centered on health care providers, clearinghouses, and health plans, making this the correct choice.