Which of the following items should be disposed of in blue trash bags?

The correct choice is the disposal of Personal Health Information (PHI) in blue trash bags. PHI includes any individually identifiable health information, such as patient records, prescriptions, and personal identifiers that are protected under regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). The disposal of such sensitive information requires specific protocols to ensure confidentiality and compliance with privacy laws. Using designated blue trash bags for PHI helps to properly segregate this material from regular waste, minimizing the risk of inadvertent disclosure or breaches of patient confidentiality.

In contrast, while empty prescription bottles can be recycled or disposed of through regular waste as long as any personal information is removed, unmarked medication samples should be handled according to specific disposal guidelines to prevent misuse. Unused medical equipment typically follows another set of regulations for safe disposal or recycling, often through dedicated channels to ensure safety and compliance with health regulations.