What does the HIPAA Security Rule address?

The HIPAA Security Rule specifically focuses on establishing standards for safeguarding electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI). It outlines the necessary administrative, physical, and technical safeguards that covered entities must implement to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of ePHI. This includes measures such as access controls, encryption, and audit controls to protect patient data from unauthorized access.

The purpose of the Security Rule is to protect sensitive patient information as it is stored and transmitted electronically, ensuring that proper security measures are in place to mitigate risks associated with data breaches and cyber threats. This emphasis on protecting electronic information distinguishes the Security Rule from other aspects of HIPAA that may deal with physical records or administrative processes.