What type of safeguards include measures like facility access controls under HIPAA?

The correct response identifies physical safeguards as the type of protections that include measures like facility access controls under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Physical safeguards are specifically designed to protect the physical plant and equipment from unauthorized access and environmental hazards. This includes a range of measures such as facility access controls, which ensure that only authorized personnel can enter areas where sensitive health information is stored or processed. Other examples of physical safeguards might include security guards, surveillance cameras, and proper workstation design, all focused on limiting access to where electronic protected health information (ePHI) can be viewed or accessed.

In contrast, technical safeguards refer to the technology and policies in place that protect and control access to ePHI, such as encryption and firewalls. Administrative safeguards encompass policies and procedures designed to manage the selection, development, implementation, and maintenance of security measures to protect ePHI, including workforce training and contingency planning. Security safeguards is a broader term that can encompass both technical and physical measures but does not speak specifically to the unique requirements outlined under HIPAA.

Therefore, recognizing facility access controls as part of physical safeguards is critical in understanding how healthcare entities must protect sensitive information from physical threats.