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 classified as a physical safeguard because it involves controlling the physical spaces where electronic protected health information (ePHI) can be accessed. This measure ensures that only authorized personnel have the ability to enter sensitive areas, such as server rooms or offices containing patient data. By limiting access to those who need it for their job functions, the risk of unauthorized individuals accessing ePHI is significantly reduced.

While other options may strengthen the overall security framework—such as encrypting sensitive data, which focuses on data protection during transmission and storage, or monitoring employee communications, which pertains to oversight and compliance—restricting physical access specifically addresses the environment in which ePHI is housed. Regular staff training is indeed vital for reinforcing policies and procedures, but it does not directly eliminate physical access concerns to areas where ePHI resides.