What controls would have minimized a security breach from old patient data on donated equipment?

The choice of device and media controls as the correct answer highlights the importance of managing and protecting sensitive information stored on various devices, especially when older equipment is donated. Device and media controls involve policies and procedures that ensure proper handling, storage, and eventual disposal of electronic media that may contain protected health information (PHI).

In the context of a security breach involving old patient data on donated equipment, implementing effective device and media controls could have significantly reduced the risk of exposing that sensitive information. These controls include measures such as data encryption, sanitization of devices to remove any stored data before disposal or reuse, and proper tracking of media throughout its lifecycle to ensure that any device that has housed sensitive data is adequately protected.

By focusing on device and media controls, healthcare organizations can safeguard patient data from being unintentionally accessed or disclosed after equipment is donated or recycled. This is crucial not only for compliance with regulations, such as HIPAA, but also for maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of the healthcare provider in handling patient information.