What happens if protected health information (PHI) is not adequately secured?

When protected health information (PHI) is not adequately secured, it creates opportunities for unauthorized individuals to gain access. This can lead to various risks, including identity theft, fraud, and breaches of patient confidentiality. Ensuring robust security measures around PHI is essential to protect patients' privacy and uphold compliance with regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

The risks extend beyond individual privacy violations; they can also damage the reputation of healthcare organizations and lead to legal consequences. Thus, it's critical to implement appropriate safeguards like encryption, access controls, and regular audits to mitigate these risks effectively.

In contrast, the other options imply that PHI is either entirely secure or that there are automatic reporting procedures or a shift in its status that does not accurately reflect the reality of insufficient security measures. Unauthorized access is a direct consequence of inadequate security, which is why that outcome is the most immediate and relevant concern.