Which of the following actions is critical in helping protect patients' sensitive health information?

Performing regular audits is crucial in helping protect patients' sensitive health information because it allows healthcare organizations to systematically assess their processes and compliance with privacy regulations, such as HIPAA. Regular audits identify potential vulnerabilities in how patient data is handled and stored, helping to ensure that appropriate security measures are in place. By reviewing access logs, evaluating employee practices, and analyzing data management systems, organizations can detect any unauthorized access or data breaches promptly. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of sensitive health information being compromised, thereby maintaining patient trust and safeguarding their rights.

The other options do not directly contribute to the protection of sensitive health information. Increasing patient appointments, for example, relates more to operational capacity than to data security. Offering discounts for timely payments does not address any measures related to the confidentiality or security of patient health records. Reducing staff training could lead to a lack of understanding of privacy practices, which would, in fact, increase the risk of mishandling sensitive information. Regular audits serve as a fundamental practice in establishing and maintaining robust data protection protocols.