What are covered entities required to establish to prevent unauthorized use of PHI?

Covered entities are required to establish reasonable safeguards to protect the privacy and security of Protected Health Information (PHI) as mandated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). These safeguards encompass a range of administrative, physical, and technical measures designed to prevent unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of PHI.

The concept of "reasonable safeguards" recognizes that while complete security may be impractical, entities must implement measures that are appropriate based on their size, resources, and the likelihood of threats. This could involve strategies such as implementing access controls, utilizing encryption for electronic PHI, and maintaining secure physical environments where PHI is stored or accessed.

Selecting reasonable safeguards is essential not only for compliance with HIPAA regulations but also for building trust with patients who expect their health information to be protected. Thus, this choice effectively aligns with the requirements set forth in the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules.

Other options lack the comprehensive approach needed for compliance. For instance, while ongoing training for employees and frequent audits are important components of a robust compliance program, they alone do not constitute a complete set of safeguards by themselves. The absence of necessary safeguards is entirely counter to HIPAA's intent, affirming that some level of protective measures is essential.