Which of the following is a requirement under the HIPAA regulations?

Establishing safeguards to protect Protected Health Information (PHI) is a fundamental requirement under HIPAA regulations. The primary purpose of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is to ensure the privacy and security of individuals' medical information. This includes not only protecting health data from unauthorized access but also ensuring that all entities handling health information implement appropriate administrative, physical, and technical safeguards.

These safeguards may include protocols for data encryption, employee training on privacy practices, access controls to sensitive information systems, and physical security measures at healthcare facilities. By requiring entities to put such safeguards in place, HIPAA aims to mitigate the risk of data breaches and maintain the confidentiality of patient information, ultimately protecting patient rights and fostering trust in the healthcare system.

The other options either misinterpret HIPAA's objectives or are not aligned with its requirements. For example, complete oblivion of health information is not feasible or realistic as patient records must be maintained for specific periods for health care continuity and legal reasons. Public disclosure of all health records contradicts the fundamental principles of patient privacy. Lastly, while sharing health information with family may occur in certain contexts, it is restricted and must comply with the rules governing an individual’s consent and the sharing of PHI.