While it’s easy to get caught up in the many, many words of policies and procedures, how your space physically looks and functions are just as important. Physical safeguards play a vital role in achieving HIPAA compliance and keeping sensitive data out of the wrong hands. Let’s look at six physical safeguards that every healthcare practice should consider implementing.
Limited Access
Access to areas where PHI is stored or accessed should be limited to authorized personnel only. This means securing rooms, file cabinets, and other storage areas with locks, access controls, or security systems. It’s essential to ensure that only those who need access to patient data have it. PHI should never be left out on desks or other open areas.
