How many identifiers must be removed for data to be considered deidentified under the Safe Harbor Method?

The Safe Harbor Method, as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), outlines specific criteria for data to be considered deidentified, thereby protecting individual privacy. To meet these criteria, a total of 18 specific identifiers must be removed from the data set. These identifiers include various personal details such as names, geographic subdivisions smaller than a state, and other unique identifying numbers, characteristics, or codes.

By removing all 18 identifiers, the data can no longer be used to identify an individual, mitigating any risk of re-identification. This approach provides a way for organizations to utilize data while upholding compliance with privacy regulations. It ensures that individuals' private information remains confidential, thus supporting trust and security in health information management.