PHI- Protected Health Information EPHI- Protected Health Information in Electronic form
Protects electronic PHI(ePHI)
Information technology includes the use of tools and systems to manage electronic protected health information (ePHI). Policies and procedures are put in place to safeguard ePHI, such as encryption, access controls, regular audits, and training for staff. These measures help prevent unauthorized access, ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of ePHI, and comply with regulations like HIPAA.
Security Standard
PHI is "Protected Health Information" in the HIPAA law, which is any information that identifies the patient AND some health or medical information. ePHI simply means PHI that is in some electronic form.
Health information stored on paper in a file cabinet
The HIPAA Security Rule applies to "covered entities," which include healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses that transmit electronic protected health information (ePHI). It also applies to "business associates," which are individuals or organizations that perform activities on behalf of covered entities involving the use or disclosure of ePHI. These regulations establish standards for safeguarding electronic information to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of ePHI.
Information technology and the associated policies and procedures that are used to protect and control access to ePHI
Technical safeguards are security measures implemented to protect electronic protected health information (ePHI) and ensure its confidentiality, integrity, and availability. These safeguards involve the use of technology and controls such as access controls, encryption, audit controls, and integrity controls to prevent unauthorized access and protect ePHI from threats.
Information technology and the associated policies and procedures that are used to protect and control access to ePHI
The HIPAA Security Rule: Established a national set of standards for the protection of PHI that is created, received, maintained, or transmitted in electronic media by a HIPAA CE or BA; protects ePHI; and addresses three types of safeguards - administrative, technical and physical - that must be in place to secure individuals' ePHI.
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) audit trails are records of electronic activities and transactions that are generated and maintained by covered entities and their business associates. These audit trails serve as a mechanism for tracking and monitoring access to electronic protected health information (ePHI) and other sensitive data. In terms of data security, HIPAA audit trails play an important role in ensuring that ePHI is protected from unauthorized access and disclosure. By tracking who accessed ePHI, when they accessed it, and what changes were made to it, covered entities and their business associates can identify and investigate any suspicious or unauthorized activities that could compromise the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of ePHI. Moreover, HIPAA audit trails also help covered entities and their business associates to comply with the HIPAA Security Rule, which requires them to implement reasonable and appropriate administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect ePHI against threats and hazards. Therefore, HIPAA audit trails are a critical component of a comprehensive data security program, as they provide an essential tool for detecting and preventing unauthorized access to ePHI, as well as demonstrating compliance with HIPAA regulations.