Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

How often should passwords be changed according to HIPAA guidelines?

1. Every thirty days

2. Every sixty days

3. Every ninety days or sooner

4. Every year

The correct answer is: Every ninety days or sooner

The correct answer highlights that passwords should be changed every ninety days or sooner in accordance with HIPAA guidelines. This timeframe is established to enhance security by reducing the risk that a compromised password could be misused over an extended period. Regular password changes are part of a broader security protocol that aims to protect electronic protected health information (ePHI) from unauthorized access. While some organizations may adopt more stringent policies, such as changing passwords every thirty or sixty days, HIPAA itself sets a standard that suggests a maximum of ninety days. This standard helps ensure that organizations remain compliant with the regulations while still allowing them the flexibility to implement additional security measures as necessary. Changing passwords annually does not provide sufficient protection from potential breaches, especially as cyber threats evolve. Therefore, the recommended period emphasizes a balance between security and usability, making it a critical component of effective risk management in handling confidential health information.