FAQ 2013 What is the difference between Risk Analysis and Risk Management in the Security Rule?
This is a FAQ regarding the Security Rule.
Final
Issued by: Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
What is the difference between Risk Analysis and Risk Management in the Security Rule?
Answer:
Risk analysis is the assessment of the risks and vulnerabilities that could negatively impact the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the electronic protected health information (e-PHI) held by a covered entity, and the likelihood of occurrence. The risk analysis may include taking inventory of all systems and applications that are used to access and house data, and classifying them by level of risk. A thorough and accurate risk analysis would consider all relevant losses that would be expected if the security measures were not in place, including loss or damage of data, corrupted data systems, and anticipated ramifications of such losses or damage. Risk management is the actual implementation of security measures to sufficiently reduce an organization’s risk of losing or compromising its e-PHI and to meet the general security standards.
HHS is committed to making its websites and documents accessible to the widest possible audience, including individuals with disabilities. We are in the process of retroactively making some documents accessible. If you need assistance accessing an accessible version of this document, please reach out to the guidance@hhs.gov.
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this database lack the force and effect of law, except as authorized by law (including Medicare Advantage Rate Announcements and Advance Notices) or as specifically incorporated into a contract. The Department may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on the guidance repository, except to establish historical facts.