Which of the following enhances compliance with healthcare regulations in health information management?

Implementing regular audit trails and access controls is critical in enhancing compliance with healthcare regulations in health information management. Audit trails are systematic logs that record every access or action taken regarding patient records within a health information system. These logs are essential for tracking who accessed what information and when, which is vital for accountability and transparency. Healthcare regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), emphasize the need to safeguard patient information. By maintaining regular audit trails, organizations can monitor and review access, identifying any unauthorized attempts and thereby ensuring the integrity and security of sensitive health information.

Additionally, access controls manage who can see or interact with patient records, allowing only authorized personnel to access specific information. This layered security approach not only protects patients' privacy but also demonstrates to regulatory bodies that an institution is taking proactive measures to comply with legal requirements regarding patient data protection. Thus, the implementation of regular audit trails and access controls is fundamental in fostering compliance with regulatory standards in health information management.