Covered entities must do which of the following to comply with HIPAA security provisions?

The requirement for covered entities to establish a contingency plan is central to complying with HIPAA security provisions. A contingency plan is essential because it outlines the procedures that an organization will follow in the event of a security incident or breach. This plan enables the organization to respond effectively, ensuring that critical operations can continue and that protected health information (PHI) is safeguarded against potential loss or damage.

In the context of HIPAA, a well-developed contingency plan includes various components such as data backup procedures, disaster recovery plans, and emergency mode operations plans. These elements work together to ensure that organizations can maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic protected health information (ePHI) despite unforeseen circumstances.

While other options may seem relevant to security practices, they do not reflect the specific requirements outlined in HIPAA security provisions as clearly as establishing a contingency plan. For example, appointing an individual for security management or conducting employee training are important steps, but they are not mandated by HIPAA in the same way as having a contingency plan. Similarly, periodic evaluations are useful for assessing security measures but do not directly serve as a fundamental compliance requirement.