THE ROLE OF THE

CHAPTER 10

NUTRITION COACH
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1 | Define the job description of a nutrition coach.

2 | Differentiate between a nutrition coach and a licensed

professional.

3 | Understand best practices for referring clients to medical

professionals.

4 | Summarize the qualities of an effective nutrition coach.

5 | Explain the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability

Act (HIPAA).

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 CHAPTER 10 | The Role of the Nutrition Coach

Every year, millions of people attempt to improve their health through diet and lifestyle

changes. Some hope to lose weight, while many others seek more energy, improved mood,

healthier aging, or relief from stress. In 2020 alone, Americans spent an estimated $33

billion on products and programs aimed at changing their health through food. Despite this

investment, most people continue to struggle with making changes that feel sustainable and

aligned with their everyday lives.

The most common challenge is not only excess calorie intake but also the quality and balance

of foods consumed. Many Americans fall short on essential nutrients such as vitamin D,

calcium, potassium, fiber, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. These shortfalls contribute
to fatigue, digestive discomfort, and long-term risks for chronic disease.

Table 10.1 Common Nutrients Lacking in the Diet.

NUTRIENT USES IN THE BODY

Vitamin D Bone health and calcium absorption

Bone health and biological functions (muscle contraction,

Calcium
nerve transmission, and blood vessel health)

Potassium Blood pressure control and kidney health

Digestive health and reduced risk of

Fiber
cardiovascular disease and diabetes

With an overwhelming amount of information available, including from social media, fad diets,

supplements, and largely unqualified fitness advice, many individuals struggle to identify
which guidance is credible or applicable to their own lives. A nutrition coach acts as a trusted,

well-educated partner, helping clients filter through confusion and apply nutrition knowledge

in ways that fit their health goals, values, and daily routines.

Nutrition coaching is not only about what a person eats. It is about shaping a healthier

relationship with food, promoting balance, and integrating effective lifestyle practices that

promote optimal health, such as quality sleep, stress management, and mindful habits that

contribute to overall well-being.

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WHAT IS NUTRITION COACHING?
A nutrition coach does more than provide information; they help clients turn knowledge into

practical strategies that align with their unique health status, goals, and personal or cultural

preferences. Coaching addresses not only eating habits but also the attitudes, emotions,

and behaviors that influence how people nourish themselves. This involves guiding clients

to understand the role food plays in their lives and supporting them in making choices that

reflect their deeper values.

By focusing on empowerment, habit formation, and behavior change, nutrition coaches

encourage clients to take ownership of their health while providing tools and strategies that

support lasting results. The role of the coach is collaborative, offering education, structure,

and encouragement while respecting client autonomy. Collaboration also means actively

involving the client in the coaching process with conversations, questions, and offering

options instead of being prescriptive- which is out of scope in most cases anyway.

In that same vein, nutrition coaches must work within their legal and ethical scope of practice,

supporting healthy individuals and recognizing when to refer clients for specialized care. This SCOPE OF PRACTICE:
The procedures, actions,
supportive and authoritative approach helps clients build confidence, self-awareness, and and processes that a
health care practitioner is
long-term self-sufficiency in managing their own nutrition and overall well-being. permitted to undertake in
keeping with the terms of
their professional license.
SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Nutrition coaches work with a diverse range of clients—parents balancing family demands,

older adults seeking vitality, professionals managing stress, and individuals aiming to improve

energy, digestion, or overall lifestyle. While some clients may present with pre-existing medical
conditions, the coach’s role is not to diagnose or treat but to support healthy patterns of

eating and behavior while collaborating with licensed professionals when needed.

Each state and province has laws regulating what nutrition coaches may and may not do.

Scope of practice laws protect both the professional and the client by ensuring that nutrition

coaches provide safe, ethical guidance. Licensed nutritionists and registered dietitians,

in contrast, are trained and credentialed to provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and

individualized dietary treatment plans.

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 CHAPTER 10 | The Role of the Nutrition Coach

DID YOU KNOW?

A licensed nutritionist has earned a credential from a nationally recognized nutrition-licensing

institution. These include the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the Academy of

Nutrition and Dietetics, the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists, and the Clinical

Nutrition Certification Board. Licensed nutritionists are regulated by their certification board

as well as by the laws of the state in which they practice.

Licensed nutritionists and dieticians

• Evaluate clients’ nutritional needs,

• Provide nutritional counseling and advice to clients,

• Create clinical nutrition treatment plans for clients,

• Educate the public on nutrition issues,

• Research the effects of nutrition on health and fitness, and

• Consult with a team of health care practitioners on nutritional management

for clients.

To become a registered dietitian, one must acquire a bachelor’s degree from an approved

supervised clinical program, successfully pass the CDR examination, and complete

continuing education requirements to maintain registration.

Like licensed nutritionists, registered dietitians may work in a variety of settings, including

the following:

• Schools • Food and nutrition industry

• Long-term care facilities • Sports nutrition programs

• Hospitals • Businesses

• Community or public health facilities • Research facilities

• Corporate nutrition programs

Ultimately, the scope of practice of a nutrition coach allows them to provide nutrition advice

and information to healthy individuals, to answer general questions regarding nutrition, and

to create a plan with their clients to reach their nutrition goals. It does not allow them to

diagnose, treat, or prescribe nutrition for illnesses of health conditions or use the titles

“licensed dietitian” or “certified nutritionist.” Lastly, while the scope of practice of a nutrition

coach allows them to work alongside a medical professional—following their advice and

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prescriptions—to help their client achieve their nutrition and health goals, it does not allow

them to prescribe medical nutrition therapy.

It is important for the nutrition coach to recognize nutritional issues that fall outside the

scope of practice so they can identify when and whom to refer the client to. For example,

giving nutrition advice for health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, eating disorders,

and so on is the domain of registered dietitians and medical practitioners.

Table 10.2 Scope of Practice for Nutrition Coaches

WITHIN SCOPE (CAN DO) OUTSIDE SCOPE (CANNOT DO)

Provide general nutrition information

Diagnose or treat medical conditions or
(e.g., roles of fats, carbs, proteins;
medical conditions
healthy food sources)

Share publicly available nutrition

research and guidelines from credible Prescribe specific diets or meal plans for

institutions (e.g., from CDC, AHA, USDA, medical management

ISSA)

Teach clients about macronutrients and Treat or diagnose nutrient deficiencies

micronutrients for healthy individuals (e.g., anemia, vitamin D deficiency)

Support clients with behavioral change

strategies (goal setting, motivational Offer medical nutrition therapy (MNT)

interviewing, SMART goals)

Give education on hydration, sleep, and Provide treatment advice for eating

workout-related fueling disorders or mental health conditions

Help clients develop healthy eating

Prescribe supplements or medications
habits and lifestyle strategies

Refer clients to qualified medical or Use protected professional titles such

mental health professionals when issues as “dietitian” or “licensed nutritionist”

exceed scope unless credentialed

Discuss general food sources of

Order or interpret lab tests for nutrient
nutrients and encourage variety to
levels
support overall adequacy

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 CHAPTER 10 | The Role of the Nutrition Coach

Nutrition coach DOs:

• Provide general nutrition information for healthy individuals.

• Share evidence-based resources and public guidelines.

• Discuss effective behavioral change strategies.

• Encourage inclusive, culturally relevant approaches to eating.

Nutrition coach DON’Ts:

• Diagnose or treat medical conditions.

• Prescribe diets for diseases or deficiencies.

• Provide therapy for eating disorders or mental health conditions.

• Overstep into areas outside training, such as personal medical advice.

REFERRING CLIENTS
Creating a referral network is an essential step for nutrition coaches. Coaches should

collaborate with licensed professionals such as registered dietitians, physicians, mental

health providers, and endocrinologists to ensure clients receive appropriate care when issues

fall out of scope. As you build this network and connect clients with necessary resources, you

begin positioning yourself as a trusted partner within a broader health ecosystem.

Table 10.3 Common Health Conditions and Referrals.

CONDITION LICENSED PROFESSIONAL FOR REFERRAL

Therapist, psychologist, and clinical social worker who

Disordered eating
specializes in eating disorders

Digestive issues Gastroenterologist

High blood pressure Physician or cardiologist

Food allergies Allergist or physician

Diabetes Endocrinologist

Thyroid issues Endocrinologist

Sinus issues Physician or ear, nose, and throat specialist

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 DID YOU KNOW?
There are many types of licensed nutritionists. Some types include the following:

• Clinical nutritionist: works in medical and long-term health care facilities

• Public health nutritionist: works in community and government organizations

• Management nutritionist: works in medical facilities and institutions planning

meals and consulting on dietary needs

• Nutritional consultant: works in private practice and provides nutritional

information to others through counseling, educational seminars, and working

with corporations

• Sports nutritionist: works with clients in athletic settings such as fitness

centers, gyms, and sports medicine clinics

• Animal nutritionist: works with the dietary needs of animals, in research, and

for pet food companies, zoos, and veterinarians

There are also many types of registered dietitians:

• Clinical dietitians are specifically trained to provide medical nutrition therapy

in settings such as hospitals and long-term care facilities.

• Community dietitians educate the public on food and nutrition issues and

topics. They may also work in government agencies, nonprofit organizations,

public health clinics, and health maintenance organizations.

• Management dietitians plan meals in food service settings, including

hospitals, cafeterias, and food corporations; oversee other dietitians, kitchen

staff, and food purchases; and perform the business tasks of managing a

meal program.

While building relationships with different professionals, one may find these professionals

refer their clients for nutrition-coaching services. A nutrition coach can market their services

to these professionals as they would a new client to generate excitement and remain relevant.

It is important to work with each referred professional to develop a mutually beneficial referral

partnership. Over time, referrals from medical professionals, other specialized nutrition

coaches, and current clients can become a large part of new business.

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 CHAPTER 10 | The Role of the Nutrition Coach

QUALITIES OF AN EFFECTIVE NUTRITION COACH

Nutrition coaches have a unique opportunity to affect the nutritional habits of clients as well

as their overall lifestyle choices with a well-rounded, inclusive approach. Effective coaching

requires knowledge, empathy, and the ability to adapt to diverse needs.

• Being educated and committed to • Motivating others

lifelong learning • Setting appropriate, client-centered

• Working within the scope of practice goals

• Meeting client needs with inclusivity • Gaining commitment

and cultural humility

• Building mental toughness

• Assessing client readiness • Referring clients appropriately

accurately
• Maintaining professionalism and
• Building rapport through trust ethical integrity

QUALITY AND CURRENT EDUCATION

All professions require some level of education and training, and nutrition coaching is no

different. Being an effective nutrition coach begins with earning a quality education about all

aspects of nutrition and lifestyle change. It also means staying abreast of the latest research

and information regarding the field of nutrition and how it applies to the needs of a client.

Coaches can attend seminars, read books and scientific journals, take additional courses or

certifications to expand their foundation.

WORKING WITHIN THE SCOPE OF PRACTICE

To be effective a nutrition coach must always be aware of the lines governing scope of

practice. Attempting to work outside the scope of practice is not only detrimental to the client,

but it also undermines the true value of nutrition coaching and the medical professionals

qualified to assist people. Nutrition coaches are most effective when they focus only on

providing valuable, evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle information to the client, abiding
by any guidelines or advice set forth by the client’s medical providers, and offering effective

strategies and techniques to change eating habits and behavior.

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MEETING CLIENT NEEDS
Every client brings unique experiences, backgrounds, and challenges to the coaching

relationship. Similarly, nutrition coaches differ in their training, life experiences, and areas

of expertise. Some may have a background in athletics, while others have experience in

community health or working with individuals navigating disordered eating. The most effective

coaches are those who can recognize their own strengths and limits while adapting their

approach to meet the needs of each client.

An inclusive nutrition coach is mindful of the impact of weight stigma on client well-being.
WEIGHT STIGMA:
The discrimination someone may experience based on their weight can lead to stress, Prejudice, negative
attitudes, and
avoidance of health care, and poorer health outcomes, regardless of body size. This occurs discrimination directed
toward individuals based on
because chronic stress and delayed or avoided care can worsen existing conditions, reduce
their body weight or size
opportunities for early intervention, and erode trust in health professionals. Coaches should

focus on behavior change and overall well-being rather than solely on weight, use neutral and

respectful language, and avoid making assumptions about a client’s health based on

appearance. Creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment supports better rapport and, as a

result, adherence to behavior change strategies.

Minimizing the impact of weight stigma requires both awareness and effective communication

skills. This is where motivational interviewing becomes a powerful tool. For example, a

client who has experienced repeated “failures” with dieting and felt judged because of their

weight may struggle with self-doubt and low motivation. In this case, a nutrition coach who

is skilled in motivational interviewing can help the client reconnect with their values, rebuild

confidence, and take meaningful steps toward change. Coaches unfamiliar with this approach
are encouraged to seek additional training, expanding their toolkit to better support clients

through behavior change challenges.

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 CHAPTER 10 | The Role of the Nutrition Coach

Motivational interviewing follows five basic steps or principles:

RESIST telling, convincing, or directing a client about the “right

path”

UNDERSTAND their values, abilities, needs, motivations, and

potential barriers to behavior change

MOTIVATIONAL
INTERVIEWING: LISTEN with empathy and understand their perspectives
A counseling approach
used to elicit behavior
change through resolving
ambivalence.
EMPOWER them to set achievable goals and provide techniques to
help them do so

ENCOURAGE autonomy and self-sufficiency

ASSESSING ACCURATELY
Some clients are ready to change, while other clients have thought about change for a long

time yet have not taken the steps. The stages of change determine a client’s readiness to

adjust their current habits to achieve a different outcome. To be effective with a variety of

clients, the nutrition coach must be able to accurately assess the stage of change the client
STAGES OF CHANGE:
The dynamic phases of the is in and match the intervention used to that stage of change.
behavior change process.

Figure 10.1 The Five Stages of Change.

Pre-Contemplation
There is no intention of
addressing a behavior.

Maintenance Contemplation
They are continuing to do what They are aware of the need to
is needed to maintain the change but have barriers to
desired behavior. overcome to address it.

Action Preparation
They are taking the necesssary They have the desire
steps to address their behavior to change and are seeking
and change it. a way.

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Clients move through stages from pre-contemplation to maintenance, though not necessarily
at a set pace or in a linear fashion. It is common for people to move forward and backward
through the steps as mindset, circumstances, and motivation or purpose shift. Coaches must
accurately assess where a client is regularly and match their coaching strategies accordingly.

For example, a client in contemplation may need to explore pros and cons, while one in action
benefits from concrete planning. Similarly, a client in action may experience a setback and
need to reconsider if a behavior is of value to them, taking them back to the contemplation
stage.

Nutrition coaches who can recognize a specific stage of change and are familiar with the
strategies and techniques that are most effective for that stage are typically more effective
with their clients and are often received better by them.

The physical and emotional conditions of a client will also have a lot to do with their success.
While some clients struggle with medical nutritional conditions, others may struggle with
relationship conflicts that complicate their progress within a coaching program. To be most
effective, it is essential that the nutrition coach knows how to recognize the variety of issues
clients may present with, such as obesity, eating disorders, or Crohn’s disease, and understand
when a referral to a medical professional is warranted. The effectiveness of a nutrition coach
will always be limited by the client’s untreated issues, and the best nutrition coaches are
those who can recognize the client’s needs and refer the right treatment providers for them.
When this is done effectively, the nutrition coach can focus solely on their role of providing the
client with the most applicable nutrition information and techniques to achieve their goals.

BUILDING RAPPORT
Any client seeking the help of a professional is most likely seeking a level of comfort and
trust with the individual(s). Without trust the efficacy of treatment is reduced and can deter
the professional relationship. This relationship, or rapport, is based on a mutual feeling of
RAPPORT:
trust and genuine concern and empathy. The most effective nutrition coaches understand A close, harmonious
that success with any client begins and ends with the rapport they develop and maintain. By relationship where
feelings and ideas are
showing authentic concern for their clients, trying to understand and relate to their client’s communicated effectively.

experience, and offering them the knowledge, skills, and abilities that they believe will best

help them, the nutrition coach can encourage self-sufficiency and confidence.

MOTIVATING AND GUIDING BEHAVIOR CHANGE

Motivation is the driving force behind change. It reflects a client’s personal reasons for acting MOTIVATION:
Someone’s reason for
or behaving in a particular way and is essential to understand when supporting lifestyle
acting or behaving in a
transformation. For many individuals, food is more than a source of nourishment, as it can particular way.

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 CHAPTER 10 | The Role of the Nutrition Coach

provide comfort, help manage stress, mark celebrations, or serve as a way to connect

socially. Recognizing these deeper layers of meaning allows the coach to meet the client

where they are, rather than assuming that knowledge alone will inspire the client to action.

An effective nutrition coach helps clients uncover and articulate their “why”, or the values

and personal reasons that make change meaningful to them. Without a clearly defined and

personally relevant motivation, even the best-designed nutrition strategies are unlikely to

lead to lasting results. Motivation may stem from many areas including:

• Wanting more energy to engage with children.

• Reducing stress.

• Improving long-term health.

• Cultivating a healthier relationship with food.

Motivations often fluctuate depending on life circumstances, stress levels, and progress

(or a lack thereof). The role of the nutrition coach is to help clients revisit, strengthen, and

stay connected to their motivations over time. This is achieved with techniques such as

motivational interviewing, reflective listening, and values-based goal setting. By consistently

reinforcing the client’s own reasons for change, the coach helps reduce the likelihood of

regression and increases the chance of sustainable, self-directed progress.

SETTING GOALS APPROPRIATELY

SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely and will ensure a
SMART GOALS: client has a clear plan of action. Goals must be SMART and align with the appropriate stage
Specific, measurable,
attainable, realistic, and of change a client is in. It is possible for a client to have multiple goals, and it is the nutrition
timely outcomes for an
individual to work toward in coach’s job to effectively help them prioritize the goals for maximum success. There is a
a stepwise manner.
difference between arbitrarily setting goals that are not appropriate for a client and client-
appropriate goals. Goals that are appropriate to the client align with their values, beliefs,
CLIENT-APPROPRIATE and motivations. Setting goals with the client, using what is important to them as a guiding
GOALS:
Goals aligning with the
feature, and then working with them to design steps that help them reach these goals are
client’s values, beliefs, and fundamental roles of an effective nutrition coach.
motivations.

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Figure 10.2 SMART Goals.

S — SPECIFIC — describe exactly what needs to be accomplished

M — MEASURABLE — can be evaluated with metrics

A — ATTAINABLE — are possible to be achieved

R — REALISTIC — make sense for the client

T — TIMELY — can be completed in a reasonable and specific amount of time

GAINING COMMITMENT
Lasting lifestyle changes are difficult to make and can be complicated by external and internal

influence. Commitment is the quality of being dedicated to a cause or goal, and it can be

challenging to gain when it comes to the stages of change. A nutrition professional who gains
COMMITMENT:
The quality of being
the commitment of a client can hold them accountable to their progress and goals as well dedicated to a cause or
goal.
as drive the process and timeline through which they work. A commitment strategy is a way

to gain leverage on oneself or others and make the desired changes. Effective coaches will
COMMITMENT
have effective commitment strategies that work for each individual and keep clients on track
STRATEGY:
toward their nutrition and lifestyle goals. The aim is to gain the client’s full commitment as the A way to gain leverage on
oneself or others and make
goals can only be achieved by them and the effort they put into the process. desired changes.

BUILDING MENTAL TOUGHNESS

Mental toughness, or grit, is a term used to describe the way a client approaches and

responds to adversity and is closely related to the stages of change through the belief that
MENTAL TOUGHNESS:
building mental toughness has an end goal of self-efficacy and independence in thought and The ability to respond to
adversity in a way that
process. There will always be setbacks, plateaus, and issues arising in the life of a wellness does not allow it to stop
the progress toward one’s
or nutrition coach. Coaches can use many techniques to increase grit, including revisiting the
goals.
client’s motivations, reframing adversity as a necessary part of learning and an inevitable

step in the process, and recognizing and celebrating progress and continued improvement.

Mental toughness is an essential part of any change process, and effective nutrition coaches

understand it and can help a client increase their resiliency.

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 CHAPTER 10 | The Role of the Nutrition Coach

REFERRING CLIENTS APPROPRIATELY

An effective nutrition coach must also know when to refer a client to the appropriate medical

health care professional for additional assistance or treatment. To do so, coaches must foster

and maintain a diverse network of medical providers. A client’s progress in a nutrition-coaching

program will always be limited by any untreated conditions, and when a nutrition coach fails to

recognize these conditions or fails to respond effectively to them, progress can be stymied.

Referring a client does not mean they are lost to the nutrition coach. It does, however, show

the nutrition professional’s commitment to the overall process, success, and health and well-

being of the client.

BEING REPUTABLE AND PROFESSIONAL

A nutritional coach should understand and use professional skills—for example,

communication, phone etiquette, and industry relations—to build a reputable business and

know how to effectively market their services. Nutritional coaches can be educated and

experienced, yet when professionalism suffers, the success of their practice may suffer as

well. One example is maintaining appropriate personal and professional boundaries with

clients and their families. Without clear boundaries, trust can be destroyed, and a coach can

jeopardize their reputation, career, and financial well-being should legal ramifications ensue.

The extensive use of social media for marketing is also a point of consideration for a nutrition

coach. Professional business pages should be kept as such on all platforms. They are not

a place for political or personal opinions or messages and should remain separate from

a coach’s personal profile to maintain that boundary. However, even on personal pages,

nutrition coaches should consider the following questions before posting to ensure their

business or reputation are not damaged or affected by social media posts or comments:

• Who can see the post or profile?

• Is the post an opinion or a professional statement?

• How is the message being presented?

• Is the message relevant to the business?

• Is the message being shared on the correct platform?

A nutrition coach should hold themself accountable to the same standards of professionalism

that a medical doctor or surgeon is held to for consistency and to protect themself and

clients. These attitudes and behaviors include accountability, motivation, empathy, integrity,

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and lifelong learning. A great slogan used by the Mayo Clinic reads: “Engendering trust by

doing the right things, for the right reasons, in the right way, at the right time.”

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS OF A NUTRITION COACH

All health care providers, fitness and nutrition professionals, and mental health professionals

have ethical and legal challenges to consider and be aware of in their practices. In 1999,

the National Academy of Medicine published a comprehensive report on medical errors in

the United States, resulting in sweeping reforms in the field of patient safety. The report

determined ways to increase not only the physical safety of clients, like the state regulations

on the field of nutrition, but also privacy rights.

CONFIDENTIALITY:
CLIENT PRIVACY A set of rules governing
the access to information
Protecting a health or medical client’s privacy means maintaining security and confidentiality discussed between a
health care practitioner
of the client’s records. This includes both the security measures taken to protect the physical and their client.
client records and the discretion of health care providers themselves. Records must be

stored in a safe and secure location with limited access to vetted individuals within the CLIENT PRIVACY:
practice, and details from within client files cannot be shared with anyone other than the The practice of
maintaining the security
client without their express written consent. This includes spouses, insurance companies, and confidentiality of the
client’s records.
third parties, or other medical professionals.

With the advent of electronic medical records, protecting client privacy has become a much HEALTH INSURANCE
larger concern. Electronic records are at risk of breach if they are not stored or handled PORTABILITY AND
appropriately. Emailing client files and accessing them online through unsecured portals and
ACCOUNTABILITY ACT
(HIPAA):
mobile devices are real dangers for a coach to consider.
Establishes national
standards for electronic
health care transactions
HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT and records to maintain
confidentiality of health-
Protecting client confidentiality is a legal and ethical obligation The Health Insurance
related information.
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was enacted to protect clients’ privacy and

confidentiality. HIPAA laws govern protected health information (PHI) requiring privacy, breach PROTECTED HEALTH
notification, and security safeguards. It applies to all health practitioners, including nutrition INFORMATION (PHI):
professionals, and establishes national standards for electronic health care transactions and Client records including
current or past medical
records. Nutrition coaches, particularly those integrated with health systems, must adhere conditions, payment
details, or health care
to these standards in practice provisions.

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 CHAPTER 10 | The Role of the Nutrition Coach

The following are the three central rules within HIPAA:

• Privacy rule: sets national standards for protected health information (PHI) and

when it can be disclosed

• Breach notification rule: requires covered entities to notify affected individuals and

the US Department of Health and Human Services in the event of a breach of PHI

• Security rule: specifies safeguards that covered entities and businesses must

implement to protect confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic PHI

HIPAA laws must be followed by all health care practitioners, including doctors, clinics,

hospitals, nursing homes, home health care providers, and pharmacies, as well as all health
plans and health care clearing houses. HIPAA also applies to any business associates of

third-party covered entities, such as those who perform certain functions, including claims

processing, administration, storing or destroying records, lawyers, accountants, and IT

specialists as well as any entities that transmit PHI, such as regional health information

organizations. Lastly, HIPAA applies to all forms of individuals’ protected health information,

whether it be electronic, written, or oral.

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