Which entity must comply with HIPAA regulations to protect patient information?

The answer is "All of the above" because HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, establishes a set of regulations to protect the privacy and security of patient information, which is pertinent to multiple entities within the healthcare ecosystem.

Health care providers, including doctors, hospitals, and clinics, are directly involved in the treatment and care of patients, making them responsible for safeguarding the health information they handle. Insurance companies process claims and maintain health records, which also exposes them to sensitive patient data that requires protection under HIPAA guidelines. Additionally, healthcare clearinghouses, which serve as intermediaries that process or facilitate the processing of health information, are liable under HIPAA to ensure that any data they handle is secured in compliance with these regulations.

Given that all these entities play crucial roles in managing and processing patient information, they each bear the obligation to comply with HIPAA standards, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and security of that information.