Which of the following is an example of a technical safeguard?

The choice of using firewalls and encryption to protect electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI) exemplifies a technical safeguard because it directly involves technology to secure data integrity, confidentiality, and availability. Technical safeguards are specifically designed to protect access to electronic health information by employing various means of technology and software.

Firewalls act as a barrier between a trusted network and untrusted networks, controlling incoming and outgoing traffic and thereby preventing unauthorized access. Encryption transforms data into a secure format that can only be read or processed after decryption, protecting sensitive information from being accessed by unauthorized individuals during transmission or storage. These measures are crucial for maintaining compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations regarding the protection of ePHI.

In contrast, the other options relate to administrative or physical safeguards—these focus more on policy and procedure or physical access rather than technical measures to protect data directly. For example, regular staff training enhances awareness and compliance among employees but does not involve technological methods. Similarly, physical locks on file cabinets restrict physical access to paper records, and a patient feedback system relates to administrative processes rather than technology used to secure electronic data.