What is the HIPAA Security Rule?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Security Rule complements the HIPAA Privacy Rule by establishing standards for the protection of electronic protected health information (ePHI). The Security Rule applies to covered entities and their business associates and sets forth specific safeguards that must be implemented to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic health information.

These safeguards include administrative, physical, and technical measures to protect ePHI from unauthorized access, disclosure, and alteration. Compliance with the HIPAA Security Rule is essential for healthcare organizations and other entities handling electronic health information to safeguard patient data and maintain the privacy and security of health information.