What action should be taken immediately if there is a breach of a patient's PHI?

In the event of a breach of a patient's Protected Health Information (PHI), it is crucial to report the incident to the Compliance Office or Privacy Officer without delay. This action is fundamental because these individuals are trained to handle such breaches according to healthcare regulations like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Their role includes ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to mitigate any further risk to the patients involved, assessing the breach's impact, and determining the necessary steps for compliance, reporting, and possible notification to affected individuals.

Prompt reporting helps ensure that a proper investigation can occur, necessary notifications can be made within the regulatory timeframe, and protective actions can be implemented to safeguard the affected party's information. This safeguards the institution against potential penalties and fosters an environment of accountability and transparency regarding patient data management.