Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

Which of the following areas is NOT considered part of the five mandated areas of e-PHI security?

1. Clinical safeguards

2. Administrative safeguards

3. Technical safeguards

4. Physical safeguards

The correct answer is: Clinical safeguards

The correct answer identifies clinical safeguards as an area not included in the five mandated areas of electronic protected health information (e-PHI) security outlined by HIPAA. HIPAA defines specific categories—administrative safeguards, technical safeguards, and physical safeguards—that healthcare organizations must implement to ensure the protection of e-PHI. Administrative safeguards involve policies and procedures designed to manage the selection, development, implementation, and maintenance of security measures. Technical safeguards focus on the technology and the policy and procedures for its use that protect e-PHI and control access to it. Physical safeguards protect the physical computer systems and related buildings from natural and environmental hazards and unauthorized intrusion. While clinical safeguards might appear relevant, they are not defined as part of the required categories under HIPAA. Instead, clinical measures may encompass practices and procedures related to patient care but do not directly relate to the security measures mandated by HIPAA for protecting e-PHI. Therefore, recognizing the correct categories is essential for compliance and ensuring the security of sensitive health information.