What is one potential risk associated with not properly managing PHI?

Not properly managing Protected Health Information (PHI) poses significant risks such as loss of patient trust and potential legal repercussions. When healthcare providers fail to safeguard sensitive patient information, it can lead to breaches of confidentiality, which directly undermines the trust that patients place in the healthcare system. Trust is a foundational aspect of the patient-provider relationship; if patients feel that their private information is at risk, they may hesitate to share critical health details, potentially impacting their care.

Moreover, mishandling PHI can result in legal consequences for healthcare organizations, including lawsuits, fines, and sanctions from regulatory bodies. These legal implications often arise from violations of laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which mandates strict guidelines for the handling of PHI. In turn, these legal issues can cause financial burdens and damage the institution's reputation, further eroding patient trust.

In contrast, the other options suggest positive outcomes that are not associated with the risks of mishandling PHI. Increased patient satisfaction and enhanced healthcare services stem from effective communication and trust, both of which can be compromised with poor PHI management. Greater access to health education may arise from improved data-sharing practices, but it does not mitigate the risks associated with confidentiality breaches.