Which federal act requires healthcare entities to conduct risk assessments of their PHI?

The HIPAA Security Rule is the correct choice because it specifically mandates that healthcare entities assess potential risks and vulnerabilities to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic protected health information (ePHI). This requirement is aimed at ensuring that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect sensitive health information, thus enhancing the overall security posture of healthcare entities.

The Security Rule establishes that entities must conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential threats and implement necessary protections to mitigate these risks. This not only promotes compliance with federal regulations but also enhances patient trust by ensuring that their personal health information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and breaches.

In contrast, while the HIPAA Privacy Rule is concerned with the protection of PHI, it does not specifically require risk assessments as stipulated in the Security Rule. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act primarily focuses on expanding healthcare coverage and does not encompass risk assessments of PHI. Similarly, the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, while related to health information technology, does not explicitly mandate risk assessments for PHI but rather focuses on promoting the adoption of electronic health records and health information technology.