Which of the following safeguards is not classified as an administrative safeguard for e-PHI?

The correct understanding of the classifications of safeguards for electronic protected health information (e-PHI) is crucial for compliance with regulations like HIPAA. Administrative safeguards specifically pertain to the policies, procedures, and practices that manage the selection, development, implementation, and maintenance of security measures to protect e-PHI.

Access controls, while important for protecting e-PHI, primarily fall under technical safeguards rather than administrative safeguards. Technical safeguards involve the technology and related policies that protect and control access to e-PHI. These include measures like authentication, encryption, and audit controls which are designed to limit access to electronic systems that store or transmit e-PHI.

On the other hand, conducting risk assessments, employee training, and establishing privacy policies are all key components of administrative safeguards. These actions involve creating a framework for how an organization protects e-PHI, including assessing risks, educating staff about data privacy and security, and formalizing policies that govern the use and disclosure of e-PHI.

By understanding these classifications, it becomes clear why access controls do not fit into the category of administrative safeguards, as they are part of the broader technical framework necessary for safeguarding electronic health information.