Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

The primary objective of the HIPAA Security Rule is to protect what?

1. Health information in all formats

2. Intrinsic medical records

3. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability of ePHI

4. Billing information

The correct answer is: Confidentiality, integrity, and availability of ePHI

The primary objective of the HIPAA Security Rule is to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI). This rule establishes the need for safeguards to ensure that information is kept secure against unauthorized access, alteration, and destruction. By concentrating on the confidentiality aspect, the Security Rule emphasizes the importance of keeping sensitive health information private and ensuring that only authorized individuals can access it. Integrity focuses on maintaining the accuracy and completeness of ePHI, thus assuring that the information is reliable for patient care and other purposes. Availability ensures that ePHI is accessible when needed, particularly for healthcare providers who rely on timely access to patient records for effective treatment. This comprehensive approach underscores the significance of robust security practices in the healthcare sector, addressing vulnerabilities that might arise from technological advancements and increasing digital storage of health records. Protecting ePHI is vital, not just for compliance with regulations but also for maintaining the trust between patients and healthcare providers.