Covered entities who knowingly obtain or disclose IIHI under false pretenses may be sentenced up to how many years in prison?

The correct response indicates that covered entities who knowingly obtain or disclose Individually Identifiable Health Information (IIHI) under false pretenses may face a significant penalty of up to ten years in prison. This reflects the serious nature of violations related to the misuse of protected health information, emphasizing the legal obligations and responsibilities that covered entities have when handling sensitive patient data.

Such a penalty underscores the regulatory framework designed to protect patient privacy and ensure that health information is managed responsibly. The law recognizes that offenses involving deceit in the acquisition or dissemination of health information warrant stringent consequences to deter such behaviors and maintain trust in the healthcare system. This ten-year maximum aligns with the concept that knowledge and intent in committing these offenses are critical factors considered by the law, leading to a harsher penalty for deliberate violations.