True or False: A "business associate," according to HIPAA, is a person who provides health care but does not hold PHI.

The statement is false. Under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), a "business associate" is defined as a person or entity that performs certain functions or activities on behalf of a covered entity, involving the use or disclosure of protected health information (PHI). Business associates handle PHI, which includes any individually identifiable health information that is transmitted or maintained in any form or medium.

Thus, for someone to qualify as a business associate, they must indeed handle or have access to PHI in the context of their service provision. This concept highlights the importance of ensuring that both covered entities (like healthcare providers) and their business associates are compliant with HIPAA regulations to protect patient privacy and the confidentiality of health information.