The Joint Commission definition of security reflects safeguards to prevent unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, or destruction of information or interference with system operations in an information system. This concept is called what?

• A. Privacy
• B. Security
• C. Privileged communication
• D. Data integrity

Answer: (B)

This is about information security in health information systems—the safeguards that protect information and the system from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, destruction, or interference with operations. The description matches security precisely, since it covers preventing any unauthorized access or tampering and ensuring the system can operate reliably. Think of it as the umbrella for protections that keep data confidential, intact, and available, along with the system functioning properly. Privacy focuses on individuals’ rights to control their personal data, not the broad protective measures themselves. Data integrity deals specifically with the accuracy and trustworthiness of data, not the full spectrum of safeguards. Privileged communication is a legal concept about confidential patient-provider communications, not a general security framework.