Personal Identifiable Information (PII) refers to any data that can be used to identify an individual. Unlike Protected Health Information (PHI), which is specifically related to health and healthcare, PII encompasses a broader range of personal information. Key data elements of PII include:

Basic Identifiers

• Full Name: Individual’s first and last name.
• Address: Home address, including street, city, state, and ZIP code.
• Phone Numbers: Personal phone numbers, including mobile and home numbers.
• Email Addresses: Personal email addresses.

Identification Numbers

• Social Security Number: A unique number assigned to individuals for social security purposes.
• Driver’s License Number: Number on a driver’s license issued by state authorities.
• Passport Number: Unique number assigned to an individual’s passport.
• Employee Identification Number (EIN): Unique number assigned to employees by employers.

Financial Information

• Bank Account Numbers: Numbers associated with personal bank accounts.
• Credit Card Numbers: Numbers on credit or debit cards.
• Financial Transactions: Records of transactions or financial activities.

Personal Characteristics

• Date of Birth: Birthdate of the individual.
• Gender: Gender of the individual.
• Biometric Data: Fingerprints, facial recognition data, or other biometric identifiers.

Online Identifiers

• Username: Unique username or login ID used to access online accounts.
• IP Address: Internet Protocol address associated with online activity.
• Social Media Profiles: Links to or details from social media accounts.

Other Personal Data

• Signature: Electronic or handwritten signature.
• Educational Information: Details about educational background and achievements.
• Employment History: Information about past and current employment.

Health-Related Information (when not specifically related to health care)

• Medical Records: Non-healthcare related records, like records held by non-healthcare entities.

PII is critical for privacy and security as it can be used to commit identity theft or fraud. Protecting PII involves ensuring data security measures are in place and adhering to privacy regulations.