Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

An encryption algorithm is considered what type of safeguard in the HIPAA Security Rule?

1. Administrative

2. Physical

3. Technical

4. Organizational

The correct answer is: Technical

An encryption algorithm is classified as a technical safeguard in the HIPAA Security Rule because it involves the use of technology to protect electronic protected health information (ePHI). Technical safeguards are security measures that are implemented through technology to control access to and protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic information. Encryption serves the critical function of rendering data unreadable to unauthorized users, thus safeguarding sensitive health information from breaches. By transforming ePHI into a coded format that can only be decrypted with the correct key or password, encryption plays a fundamental role in preventing data breaches and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The other categories mentioned, such as administrative safeguards, involve policies and procedures designed for the management of protected health information, physical safeguards pertain to securing the physical facilities and equipment, and organizational safeguards concern the policies and procedures that govern the systems and processes. However, encryption directly applies the principles of technology to protect data, solidifying its position as a technical safeguard.