Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

What is the primary objective of covered entities in relation to e-PHI?

1. To ensure data privacy

2. To keep e-PHI secure while ensuring access for treatment

3. To eliminate all electronic records

4. To limit access to authorized personnel only

The correct answer is: To keep e-PHI secure while ensuring access for treatment

The primary objective of covered entities in relation to electronic protected health information (e-PHI) is to keep it secure while ensuring that access is available for treatment. This balance is essential because while protecting sensitive health information from unauthorized access is crucial for patient privacy and compliance with HIPAA regulations, healthcare providers must also ensure that authorized individuals can access necessary information to deliver effective care. This objective aligns with HIPAA’s overarching goal of protecting patient confidentiality while facilitating necessary healthcare operations. By safeguarding e-PHI, organizations mitigate risks of data breaches and potential penalties, while also making sure that patient care is not compromised due to access restrictions. Therefore, maintaining security in conjunction with access for treatment truly captures the essence of the responsibilities of covered entities under HIPAA.