What does the Security Rule protect?

The Security Rule specifically focuses on the protection of electronic health information that is stored or transmitted. It establishes standards for safeguarding the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic protected health information (ePHI). This includes implementing administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to ensure that this sensitive patient data is not accessed or disclosed improperly.

In contrast, while physical health records are important, the Security Rule does not directly cover those, as its purview is limited to electronic formats. Insurance billing information falls under other regulations and does not specifically relate to the Security Rule's core focus on electronic data protection. Lastly, patient identity verification methods, while critical for maintaining security and privacy, are not specifically addressed by the Security Rule, which does not regulate how identities are verified, but rather how electronic health information is protected. Thus, the choice that directly aligns with the intent and scope of the Security Rule is the protection of electronic health information that is stored or transmitted.