What is a physical safeguard in a healthcare setting?

In a healthcare setting, a physical safeguard refers to the measures taken to protect electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI) from unauthorized physical access, damage, or interference. This encompasses various actions and protocols designed to limit access to facilities where ePHI is stored, processed, or transmitted.

Controlling physical access to facilities and equipment is crucial because it helps ensure that only authorized personnel can access areas where sensitive health information is located. This might include measures such as locked doors, security badges, surveillance cameras, and visitor logs, all of which serve to prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining entry to sensitive areas. By limiting physical access, healthcare organizations can better protect patient information from theft, loss, or other security breaches.

Implementing software to secure databases, regularly auditing electronic records, and setting up online security protocols are all important elements of overall information security strategy; however, they focus on electronic protections rather than the physical aspects of safeguarding healthcare facilities and related equipment.