What safeguards Are designed to protect Protected Health Information being created processed stored transmitted or destroyed?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of individuals' health information. HIPAA requires covered entities, such as health care providers, health plans, and health care clearinghouses, to implement safeguards to protect the privacy of Protected Health Information (PHI).
PHI is any information that relates to an individual's health, including demographic data, medical history, test results, and financial information. HIPAA safeguards are designed to protect PHI from being accessed, used, or disclosed without an individual's authorization.
The HIPAA Privacy Rule requires covered entities to implement the following safeguards to protect PHI:
* Administrative safeguards: These safeguards include policies and procedures that govern how covered entities use and disclose PHI. For example, covered entities must have a written privacy policy that describes how PHI is used and disclosed.
* Physical safeguards: These safeguards include measures that protect PHI from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. For example, covered entities must implement physical security measures, such as locks, security cameras, and alarms, to protect PHI.
* Technical safeguards: These safeguards include measures that protect PHI from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure when it is transmitted or stored electronically. For example, covered entities must implement encryption and other security measures to protect PHI when it is transmitted over the Internet.
Covered entities must also enter into business associate agreements with any third parties that have access to PHI. Business associate agreements require third parties to agree to protect the privacy of PHI and to comply with HIPAA requirements.
HIPAA also provides individuals with certain rights regarding their PHI. These rights include the right to access their PHI, the right to request corrections to their PHI, and the right to request restrictions on how their PHI is used and disclosed.
If you believe that your PHI has been compromised, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). HHS is responsible for enforcing HIPAA and investigating complaints about privacy breaches.