If more than 500 individuals' information has been breached, which entities must be notified?

When more than 500 individuals' information has been breached, it is essential to notify certain authorities as part of compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other related regulations. The local media and the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are required to be informed to ensure proper public awareness and accountability.

Notifying the local media is crucial in instances of large-scale breaches, as it helps inform the affected individuals and the public about the risk and the steps taken to mitigate harm. Additionally, informing the HHS facilitates oversight and helps the department to keep track of breaches and ensure that entities comply with necessary legal requirements. This process not only serves to protect individuals' rights but also to reinforce the integrity of the healthcare system.

Other options, while they may involve notifying specific internal or operational entities, do not satisfy the legal obligations detailed by regulatory requirements related to data breaches.