Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

Who is solely responsible for compliance with the Security Rule?

1. The Security Officer

2. All employees

3. The legal team

4. The healthcare provider

The correct answer is: The Security Officer

The Security Officer is solely responsible for compliance with the Security Rule because this role is specifically designated to oversee and implement the necessary policies and procedures that protect electronic protected health information (ePHI). This includes conducting risk assessments, establishing security measures, and ensuring that the organization's practices align with the requirements set forth by HIPAA. While other individuals within the organization, such as all employees and the legal team, play important roles in supporting compliance efforts, the ultimate accountability for adherence to the Security Rule lies with the Security Officer. This person is tasked with the strategic oversight of information security and is typically well-versed in the technical and administrative safeguards required by the regulation. In contrast, healthcare providers may have responsibilities to uphold privacy and security within their practice, but they are not solely accountable for the comprehensive compliance efforts required under the Security Rule.