The HIPAA Security Rule includes three key safeguards for protecting ePHI: administrative, physical, and technical.
– Administrative Safeguards: these safeguards involve policies, procedures, and measures to protect ePHI. This includes risk assessments, security management processes, appointing a HIPAA Security Officer, and providing workforce training.
– Physical Safeguards: these safeguards focus on securing the physical environment. This includes access controls, workstation and device security, and proper disposal of media containing patient information.
– Technical Safeguards: these safeguards employ technology and controls to protect ePHI. This includes access controls, encryption of data, and audit controls to monitor system activity.
All of the above safeguards work together to ensure the security, privacy, and integrity of ePHI, as mandated by the HIPAA Security Rule. By implementing these three major security safeguards, organizations can establish a comprehensive agenda and framework to protect ePHI and comply with the HIPAA Security Rule.