Which of the following best defines "disclosure" of information?

The term "disclosure" of information, particularly in the context of healthcare and privacy regulations like HIPAA, refers specifically to the act of sharing or releasing Protected Health Information (PHI) to outside entities. This encompasses situations in which patient information is communicated, shared, or made available to individuals or organizations that are not part of the healthcare provider's internal operations.

In this context, understanding the nuances of disclosure is crucial. It is not simply about generating information or how it is stored and secured, which pertains to internal processes and privacy protections within an organization. Additionally, while availability to the public may suggest some form of disclosure, it is more specific and accurate to define disclosure as a deliberate action involving third parties, rather than a blanket term covering all aspects of data management. Thus, option C provides the clearest definition of "disclosure" by focusing on its relational aspect—how PHI is intentionally shared with external parties.