Question 2.
Which of the following are breach prevention best practices?
Access only the minimum amount of PHI/personally identifiable information (PII) ?necessary
Logoff or lock your workstation when it is unattended
Promptly retrieve documents containing PHI ?????? ? from the printer
All of this above
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: All of the above
Explanation:
Preventing breaches of Protected Health Information (PHI) and Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is critical in maintaining compliance with privacy regulations like HIPAA and ensuring the trust of individuals whose data is handled. Each of the practices listed contributes to mitigating risks associated with data breaches:
- Access only the minimum necessary PHI/PII: This principle, often referred to as the “minimum necessary standard,” means accessing only the information required to perform your job duties. This reduces the risk of unnecessary exposure to sensitive data and minimizes the potential damage from breaches. For example, a receptionist may only need to know a patient’s name and appointment time but not their full medical history. Overexposure increases vulnerability to internal and external threats.
- Log off or lock your workstation when unattended: Unattended workstations can become a point of entry for unauthorized users, whether it’s colleagues, visitors, or external attackers. Locking your screen or logging off when leaving your desk ensures that no one can access sensitive data in your absence. Many systems now automatically log off users after a period of inactivity, but taking manual steps reinforces security practices.
- Promptly retrieve documents containing PHI/PII from the printer: Documents left unattended on a printer pose a significant privacy risk. Unauthorized individuals can pick up these documents either intentionally or unintentionally, leading to a breach. Implementing secure printing practices, such as requiring a passcode to release printed documents, can help mitigate this risk.
By combining these practices, organizations significantly reduce the likelihood of breaches. These simple yet effective actions collectively build a culture of security awareness, protect sensitive data, and help organizations remain compliant with regulations. Such proactive steps demonstrate responsibility and reduce potential financial, reputational, and legal consequences.