Which statement about the directory of patients maintained by a covered entity is true?

The accurate statement about the directory of patients maintained by a covered entity is that individuals must be given an opportunity to restrict or deny permission to place information about them in the directory. This requirement aligns with the privacy regulations outlined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Under HIPAA, a covered entity can maintain a patient directory, primarily for the convenience of patients and family members who may want to inquire about someone who is receiving medical care. However, patients must have the opportunity to opt out or limit what information is included in that directory. This ensures that individuals have control over their personal health information and can maintain their privacy according to their preferences.

The other options do not accurately reflect the privacy standards regarding patient directories. For instance, requiring written authorization for directory information would impose an additional barrier that is not mandated by HIPAA. Additionally, while directories can contain identifying information, stating that only such limited information can be included does not capture the essence of what is allowed. Instead, the directory may also include information about the patient's location in the facility, which is not strictly limited to just name and birthdate. Finally, while the directory is indeed required to keep private information confidential, the statement about containing private information misrepresents the limitations