What is a correct statement regarding the purpose of the Security Rule?

The Security Rule is a key component of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which specifically addresses the safeguarding of electronic protected health information (ePHI). Its primary purpose is to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of ePHI by implementing appropriate physical, administrative, and technical safeguards.

The Security Rule emphasizes the need for covered entities—such as healthcare providers and health plans—to assess their risks and vulnerabilities regarding ePHI and to implement measures to mitigate those risks. This is essential in preventing unauthorized access to sensitive patient information and ensuring that healthcare providers can operate securely in an increasingly digital environment.

By recognizing the importance of both identifying potential threats to ePHI and establishing necessary safeguards, the Security Rule plays a crucial role in the overall compliance framework mandated by HIPAA. This dual purpose of protection and management of electronic health information aligns with the goal of maintaining trust in healthcare systems and ensuring the protection of patient rights.

Thus, the combination of options B and C accurately reflects the fundamental objectives of the Security Rule, leading to the conclusion that the correct answer encompasses both aspects of the rule's purpose.