What does the HIPAA security rule specifically address?

The HIPAA Security Rule specifically addresses the protection of electronic protected health information (ePHI) held by covered entities. This rule establishes the standards for ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of ePHI, which includes any health information that is created, received, stored, or transmitted in electronic form. The Security Rule outlines requirements regarding administrative safeguards, physical safeguards, and technical safeguards that entities must implement to secure ePHI against unauthorized access, breaches, and other potential security threats.

This focus on electronic data is crucial as the healthcare industry continues to evolve with technology, making it essential to protect sensitive information in digital formats. The Security Rule does not directly pertain to paper-based records, verbal exchanges, or information stored on personal devices, as those are covered under other aspects of HIPAA or may require separate considerations for privacy and security.