Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

What are breach prevention best practices regarding accessing information?

1. Access as much information as needed

2. Access only the minimum necessary information

3. Share access credentials with trusted colleagues

4. Limit access to security personnel only

The correct answer is: Access only the minimum necessary information

Accessing only the minimum necessary information is a key component of HIPAA's Privacy Rule and is essential in breach prevention. This practice, known as the "minimum necessary" standard, is designed to limit exposure to sensitive health information to what is absolutely required for a particular task. By restricting access, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of unintentional or unauthorized disclosure of protected health information (PHI). This principle helps healthcare providers and their employees to maintain patient confidentiality, mitigate risks associated with data breaches, and comply with regulatory requirements. It ensures that individuals have access only to the information they need to perform their job functions, ultimately safeguarding sensitive health information and enhancing overall security protocols. In contrast, accessing as much information as needed can lead to unnecessary exposure and increase the chances of mishandling or unauthorized access. Sharing access credentials, even with trusted colleagues, compromises the integrity of access controls and can lead to accountability issues. Limiting access exclusively to security personnel might not be practical in all scenarios, as various healthcare functions often require access to pertinent health information while still adhering to the minimum necessary standard.