Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

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

1. Installing cameras in the examination rooms

2. Having monitors turned away from viewing by visitors

3. Dwelling on electronic communication

4. Utilizing open floor plans for maximum accessibility

The correct answer is: Having monitors turned away from viewing by visitors

Having monitors turned away from viewing by visitors exemplifies reasonable physical safeguards in patient care areas because it directly protects sensitive health information from unauthorized access. In a healthcare setting, ensuring that confidential patient information displayed on monitors is not visible to those who do not have a legitimate need to see it is crucial for maintaining patient privacy and complying with HIPAA regulations. This measure minimizes the risk of data breaches that could occur if passersby or unauthorized individuals could easily view personal health information. The focus is on maintaining confidentiality while still allowing healthcare providers to access and use necessary information to provide quality care. The other options do not align with the principles of effective physical safeguards. For instance, installing cameras in examination rooms raises significant privacy concerns and may violate patient rights. Dwelling on electronic communication lacks a direct connection to physical safeguards, while utilizing open floor plans compromises privacy and confidentiality, as it can lead to increased exposure of patient information to unauthorized individuals.