What does the HIPAA Security Rule require from covered entities?

The HIPAA Security Rule is designed to protect electronic protected health information (ePHI) and requires covered entities, such as healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses, to implement specific safeguards. The correct choice focuses on the establishment of administrative, physical, and technical safeguards that ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and security of ePHI. This includes measures like encrypting data, controlling access to facilities, and adopting policies and procedures to protect sensitive health information from unauthorized access or breaches.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the requirements set forth by the HIPAA Security Rule. For instance, the first option suggests that all health information must be disclosed, which contradicts the rule’s emphasis on safeguarding health information and maintaining patient privacy. The option indicating "no requirements" overlooks the comprehensive framework established by the HIPAA Security Rule for protecting electronic health information. Lastly, the mention of "annual audits" does not capture the broader requirement of continual risk assessment and management, although regular evaluations are a best practice in compliance, they are not explicitly mandated by the HIPAA Security Rule. Thus, the emphasis on establishing safeguards is a key component that accurately represents the intent and requirements of the HIPAA Security Rule.