administrative safeguards
Definition
Administrative safeguards are the written policies, training programs, and management procedures a business puts in place to protect sensitive information, particularly health or personal data. Think of them as the human and organizational side of security, covering things like who gets access to private records, how you train employees to handle that information, and what you do when something goes wrong.
Example
If you run a small medical billing office, your administrative safeguards would include a written policy stating that only certain employees can view patient records and a training program teaching staff how to handle that data responsibly.
Watch Out
Many small business owners focus only on technical security like passwords and software but neglect the written policies and staff training that regulators like HIPAA auditors will specifically look for during an investigation.
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This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.