; and (C) promote transparency regarding the use and disclosure of health information by health care clearinghouses in accordance with the notice provisions of subsection (e). (b) Treatment as covered entity for specified functions (1) In general With respect to the use and disclosure of protected health information, the Secretary shall— (A) not consider health care clearinghouses that engage in the functions described in paragraph (3) to be business associates, including subcontractor business associates, under HIPAA-related provisions (as defined in subsection (j)(3)) regardless of the role of such clearinghouses in collecting or receiving the information