What legal framework defines and limits how an individual’s PHI may be used or disclosed?

The Privacy Rule is a key component of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) that specifically defines how protected health information (PHI) may be used and disclosed. It establishes national standards to protect individuals' medical records and other personal health information. The Privacy Rule outlines the rights of individuals with respect to their PHI, including the right to access their information and request restrictions on its use.

While the Privacy Rule is crucial, it operates within the broader framework of HIPAA. Therefore, while the answer provided emphasizes the Privacy Rule, it is essential to recognize that HIPAA as a whole provides the overarching legal framework governing the use and disclosure of PHI, along with various specific provisions that are applicable to health information privacy.

The other selections, such as the Patient Protection Act and HITECH, may address certain aspects of health information but do not strictly define the use and disclosure of PHI in the comprehensive way that HIPAA and its Privacy Rule do. Thus, the correct context firmly places the emphasis on the Privacy Rule as the regulatory element most directly associated with the limits on PHI usage and disclosure.