Which type of safeguard includes maintaining security measures to protect electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI)?

The correct answer is that the type of safeguard that includes maintaining security measures to protect electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI) is best identified as technical safeguards. Technical safeguards specifically involve the technology and the policy and procedures for its use that protect electronic data and control access to it. This includes mechanisms such as encryption, user authentication, and authorization, which are all integral to protecting ePHI from unauthorized access and breaches.

The focus of technical safeguards is especially critical in the healthcare industry, where ePHI is stored, transmitted, and processed electronically. These measures ensure that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive information, which is a key component of compliance with regulations such as HIPAA.

While physical safeguards protect the physical equipment and facilities housing ePHI, and administrative safeguards involve policies and procedures that manage personnel and organizational practices related to ePHI, none of these options specifically refer to the technology-related measures that are the essence of technical safeguards. Compliance safeguards are not a standard category recognized in privacy and security terminology. Understanding the distinction between these safeguards is essential for ensuring the security and integrity of electronic health information.