Access to health records based on protected health information within a healthcare facility should be limited to employees who have what?

Access to health records containing protected health information (PHI) within a healthcare facility is critically governed by rules designed to maintain patient privacy and ensure data security. The principle of "minimum necessary access" is crucial in healthcare settings, emphasizing that only those employees who have a legitimate need for access should be able to view patient records.

This legitimate need typically relates to the employee's job functions, such as clinical staff needing information to provide care, billing personnel requiring data for insurance claims, or administrative staff needing access for managing patient information. By restricting access based on these criteria, healthcare organizations can protect sensitive patient information from unauthorized release or misuse.

While a password is essential for securing access to electronic systems, it does not alone justify access to health records unless there is a legitimate need. Similarly, while signed confidentiality agreements are important for ensuring that employees understand their responsibilities regarding patient data, the fundamental criterion for access remains the legitimate need. Therefore, having a legitimate need for access aligns with the principles of confidentiality and data security in healthcare environments.