Which of the following is NOT considered a breach of protected health information (PHI)?

The choice indicating that a person retaining information they were authorized to receive is not considered a breach of protected health information (PHI) is indeed correct. In the context of PHI, a breach involves unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of information that compromises the privacy or security of that data. When an individual has the proper authorization to access specific PHI, retaining that information does not constitute a breach, as they are acting within the legal and ethical boundaries established by regulations such as HIPAA.

For example, healthcare professionals often access patient records to provide necessary care and may keep this information as part of their responsibilities. As long as they comply with their organization's policies and legal requirements, their actions are justified and permissible, thus safeguarding against classification as a breach.

In contrast, other options reflect scenarios that could compromise the confidentiality or integrity of PHI, such as unauthorized access or inadvertent disclosures that reach beyond a secure environment. Therefore, the retention of information by authorized personnel is not classified as a breach, reinforcing the importance of roles and permissions in the handling of PHI.