Answer :

HIPAA safeguards PHI by implementing the HIPAA Security Rule's administrative, physical, and technical safeguards, including access control tools like passwords, and the HIPAA Privacy Rule, which gives patients the right to manage their health information and restricts disclosures without consent.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) establishes critical safeguards to protect the confidentiality and integrity of protected health information (PHI). HIPAA creates a framework for healthcare providers and health insurance companies to handle PHI securely, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access. One of the key mechanisms for safeguarding patient data is the HIPAA Security Rule, which mandates specific protections tailored to electronic health information.

To prevent unauthorized access, the HIPAA Security Rule requires the implementation of administrative, physical, and technical safeguards. Administrative safeguards involve policies and procedures designed to clearly manage the selection, development, and enforcement of security measures. Physical safeguards protect electronic systems and PHI from physical threats, while technical safeguards relate to technology-focused defenses such as access control tools, which include passwords and PIN numbers to restrict data access to authorized individuals only.

Additionally, the HIPAA Privacy Rule grants patients the right to review, obtain, and correct their health information and be informed of who has accessed their records. This rule not only ensures that patients have control over their PHI but also stipulates that healthcare providers receive explicit consent from patients before disclosing their information, except for specific exemptions like public health activities.

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