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Physical Data Security

Meaning

Physical Data Security refers to the protective measures and controls designed to safeguard electronic and paper Protected Health Information (PHI), including confidential hormonal records and diagnostic reports, from unauthorized physical access, theft, or environmental damage. This security layer involves securing the tangible infrastructure where data is stored, such as locking server rooms, maintaining restricted access to file cabinets containing paper charts, and implementing facility access controls. It is a mandatory component of a comprehensive security strategy under the HIPAA Security Rule.