Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

What does risk analysis in the Security Rule consider?

1. The likelihood of patient complaints

2. A balance between cost-effectiveness and potential risks of disclosure

3. Employee satisfaction levels

4. The quality of service provided

The correct answer is: A balance between cost-effectiveness and potential risks of disclosure

Risk analysis in the Security Rule involves evaluating potential risks to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic protected health information (ePHI) held by a covered entity. By focusing on the relationship between cost-effectiveness and potential risks of disclosure, risk analysis allows organizations to determine whether the security measures in place adequately protect against threats while remaining within a reasonable financial investment. This process helps organizations identify vulnerabilities in their systems and assess the likelihood and impact of different threats. By balancing these elements, entities can prioritize security measures effectively, ensuring they are adequately safeguarding ePHI without imposing unnecessary financial burdens. The other options do not align with the primary concerns of the Security Rule. While patient complaints or employee satisfaction levels are important in healthcare, they do not directly relate to the framework established for managing risks associated with the electronic handling of health information. Similarly, the quality of service provided, while essential to healthcare delivery, falls outside the scope of physical and technical safeguards outlined in the Security Rule, which is specifically focused on protecting ePHI from unauthorized access and ensuring data security.