Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

Match the category of the HIPAA Security standards with their examples: Physical safeguards.

1. Locking file cabinets

2. Regular internal audits

3. Data encryption

4. Access controls for computer systems

The correct answer is: Locking file cabinets

The choice that accurately represents an example of physical safeguards in the context of HIPAA Security standards is locking file cabinets. This option is directly related to the physical protection of sensitive patient information. Physical safeguards are intended to protect electronic systems, related buildings, and equipment from natural disasters, theft, and unauthorized access. By locking file cabinets, healthcare providers can prevent unauthorized personnel from accessing paper records containing protected health information (PHI), thereby ensuring the confidentiality and security of this sensitive data. The other choices pertain to different categories of safeguards. Regular internal audits are part of administrative safeguards, as they involve the policies and procedures designed to manage and protect patient information. Data encryption is a method of securing electronic data and falls under technical safeguards, which are focused on the electronic protection of information. Access controls for computer systems also relate to technical safeguards, as they establish who can access electronic information and under what conditions. Each category of safeguards plays a crucial role in ensuring overall compliance with HIPAA regulations.