In a healthcare facility, which measure is considered a physical safeguard for protecting electronic protected health information (ePHI)?

Restricting access to areas based on necessity is recognized as a physical safeguard for protecting electronic protected health information (ePHI). This measure ensures that only authorized personnel have access to specific areas within a healthcare facility where ePHI is stored, processed, or transmitted. By implementing access control mechanisms, such as locked doors, key card access, or security checkpoints, healthcare facilities can prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining entry to sensitive areas, thereby minimizing the risk of data breaches or theft.

Physical safeguards are essential components of the overall security strategy outlined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Security Rule. This regulatory framework emphasizes the importance of protecting the physical environment around ePHI, including the facilities that house electronic systems. By focusing on physical access, healthcare organizations can establish a foundational layer of security that complements technical and administrative safeguards.