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625 HIPAA Privacy Training
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Risk Analysis and Management

The Administrative Safeguards section of the Security Rule mandates that covered entities conduct a risk analysis as a key component of their security management.

A person pointing to a graph.
HIPAA requires health care providers to conduct risk analysis.

The risk analysis and management sections of the Security Rule get special attention here. They help decide which security measures are suitable for a specific covered entity. Because of this, risk analysis influences how all safeguards in the Security Rule are put into action.

A risk analysis process should include activities like:

  • Assessing the likelihood and impact of potential risks to e-PHI.
  • Putting in place suitable security measures to deal with the identified risks.
  • Recording the selected security measures and explaining the reasons for choosing them, if needed.
  • Keeping ongoing, reasonable, and fitting security protections in place.

Risk analysis should be a continuous process. A covered entity should regularly check its records to monitor access to e-PHI and identify security incidents. It should also periodically assess how effective its security measures are and consistently reconsider potential risks to e-PHI.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-6. As required by the HIPAA Security Rule, what must a covered entity accomplish as part of their security management processes?