What is a key requirement when responding to a suspected breach?

A key requirement when responding to a suspected breach is to conduct an investigation to ascertain the risk of protected health information (PHI) compromise. This step is essential because it allows the organization to understand the scope and severity of the incident, determine what specific information may have been at risk, and assess the potential impact on affected individuals.

By conducting a thorough investigation, the organization can identify whether a breach actually occurred, the nature of the breach, and the extent to which PHI was involved. This information is crucial for determining the appropriate response measures, including whether notification to patients and regulatory bodies is necessary.

The other options may be reactive or inappropriate in the context of a suspected breach. For example, immediate termination of all employees does not address the investigation needed to identify the source of the breach. Informing all patients without first confirming the breach and understanding its implications may lead to unnecessary panic or misinformation. Implementing new software without assessing the breach could overlook underlying issues contributing to the breach and does not directly mitigate the situation at hand. Thus, thorough investigation remains the cornerstone of an effective response to a suspected breach.