If PHI has been compromised, which step is always required?

Conducting a risk analysis is a critical step when protecting and managing Health Information, especially if Protected Health Information (PHI) has been compromised. This analysis involves evaluating the potential impact of the breach, determining how the compromise occurred, identifying any vulnerabilities that may have contributed to the incident, and assessing the level of risk to the affected individuals.

By executing a risk analysis, the employer can better understand the implications of the breach, which informs subsequent actions such as notifying affected individuals, enhancing security measures, and preventing future occurrences. It acts as a foundational step that guides the organization in responding appropriately and ensuring compliance with regulations such as HIPAA.

Other options, while potentially relevant to an organization's incident response plan, are not universally required steps after a PHI compromise. Not every incident necessitates media alerts or suspending staff; those actions depend on the severity and circumstances surrounding the breach.