Data Integrity
What is Data Integrity | Brightsquid
Data integrity in HIPAA refers to the accuracy and completeness of PHI throughout its lifecycle, like creation, storage, transmission, and retrieval. It ensures that patient health information is not altered or destroyed in an unauthorized manner.
HIPAA Requirement
The HIPAA Security Rule requires covered entities to “implement policies and procedures to protect ePHI from improper alteration or destruction.”
Data integrity is important because it:
- Ensures Clinical Accuracy: Incorrect, incomplete, or altered health data can result in medical errors.
- Builds Trust: Patients rely on providers to maintain accurate records.
- Fosters Legal Compliance: Integrity breaches are treated as HIPAA violations, even if data is not exfiltrated.
Common Threats to Data Integrity
The most common threat to data integrity is human error, which includes typos, accidental deletion, misfiling etc. The integrity of data can also be compromised if it has been exposed to malware or ransomware, which can alter or encrypt the data. In fact, any unauthorized system access leads to loss of data integrity.
Safeguards to Protect Data Integrity
- Access Controls – Limit PHI access only to authorized users.
- Role-based Functionality – Control what users can do with ePHI based on their role on the team
- Audit Logs – Maintain detailed logs of all access and changes to PHI.
- Checksums & Hashing – Detect unauthorized modifications.
- Regular Backups – Ensure original data can be restored.
- Training – Educate staff on handling PHI responsibly.
- Training – Educate staff on the responsible handling of PHI and the importance of data integrity.
Related Terms
Two Factor Authentication
End-to-End Encryption
Privacy Policy