What can organizations do to ensure the security of ePHI during transmission?

The correct approach for ensuring the security of electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI) during transmission is to encrypt data during transmission to protect it. Encrypting ePHI means that the data is converted into a secure format that cannot be easily understood by anyone who does not possess the appropriate decryption key. This encryption process protects the confidentiality and integrity of the information, making it much more difficult for unauthorized individuals to access or intercept sensitive information during its transfer.

In an increasingly digital healthcare environment, protecting patient information is a critical responsibility. Organizations are required to implement safeguards, and encryption is a widely accepted measure under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines to achieve compliance and protect patient privacy during electronic communications. Using encryption not only helps mitigate the risk of data breaches but also builds trust with patients knowing their sensitive information is handled securely.

In contrast, options like using unsecured email or sending ePHI over open Wi-Fi networks expose data to significant risks. These practices can lead to unauthorized access and data breaches, which are strictly against HIPAA security standards. Additionally, relying solely on verbal disclosures does not fully safeguard patient information, particularly in situations where conversations can be overheard or miscommunicated. Hence, encryption remains the cornerstone of