What is an example of a reasonable physical safeguard in patient care areas?

What is an example of a reasonable physical safeguard in patient care areas?

• A. Having monitors turned away from visitors
• B. Providing open access to records
• C. Leaving doors unlocked during work hours
• D. Using shared passwords among staff

Answer: (A)

Having monitors turned away from visitors is an excellent example of a reasonable physical safeguard in patient care areas. This practice helps ensure that sensitive patient information displayed on screens is not easily visible to unauthorized individuals, thereby protecting patient privacy and confidentiality. The placement of monitors is a proactive measure to mitigate the risk of inadvertent exposure of personal health information (PHI) to visitors or those not authorized to view such data. This approach aligns with HIPAA regulations, which mandate the protection of PHI against unauthorized access. By implementing physical safeguards like this, healthcare facilities demonstrate their commitment to maintaining the confidentiality and security of patient information within care environments.

Having monitors turned away from visitors is an excellent example of a reasonable physical safeguard in patient care areas. This practice helps ensure that sensitive patient information displayed on screens is not easily visible to unauthorized individuals, thereby protecting patient privacy and confidentiality. The placement of monitors is a proactive measure to mitigate the risk of inadvertent exposure of personal health information (PHI) to visitors or those not authorized to view such data.

This approach aligns with HIPAA regulations, which mandate the protection of PHI against unauthorized access. By implementing physical safeguards like this, healthcare facilities demonstrate their commitment to maintaining the confidentiality and security of patient information within care environments.