What is the legal term used to describe the physical and electronic protection of health information?

The term that best describes the physical and electronic protection of health information is "security." Security encompasses the measures and protocols put in place to safeguard health information from unauthorized access, destruction, or alteration. This includes both technical safeguards, such as encryption and firewalls, as well as physical safeguards, like locked file cabinets or secure access to facilities where sensitive data is stored.

Understanding "security" in the context of health information is crucial, particularly for compliance with regulations like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), which mandates that organizations implement appropriate security measures to protect individuals' health information.

While "confidentiality" and "privacy" are also related to the protection of health information, they refer to different aspects. Confidentiality relates to the obligation not to disclose information to unauthorized parties, while privacy pertains to an individual's right to control their personal information and to whom it is disclosed. However, security is specifically focused on the protective measures themselves, making it the most appropriate choice in this context.