The MA needs to leave workstation for 10 minutes after charting in EHR. What is the most important HIPAA-compliant action?
Answer choices
- ATurn monitor off only
- BAsk coworker to watch the screen
- CCover keyboard with paper chart
- DLock screen or log out of EHR
About this question
What is the most important HIPAA-compliant action before leaving a workstation after charting? Medical Law and Ethics on the CCMA exam treats unattended EHR screens as a protectable ePHI risk. Soft “workarounds” like dimming brightness are not access controls. Read the wording and clinical context closely; those details determine the NHA CCMA competency being tested.
This question asks what to do when you step away. Lock the screen or log out of the EHR so unauthorized viewers cannot see protected health information. Covering the monitor with paper or asking a coworker to watch an open session is not compliant. Walk away: lock or log off every time. For hipaa lock computer when leaving workstation, explain why the tempting distractor belongs to a different procedure, role, or setting.
Reveal answer & explanationShow
Correct answer
- ATurn monitor off only
- BAsk coworker to watch the screen
- CCover keyboard with paper chart
- DLock screen or log out of EHRCorrect
Basic rationale
Locking/logging off the workstation protects ePHI from unauthorized viewing or access.
Option explanations
- A: Session may remain accessible.
- B: Informal watching is not technical safeguard compliance.
- C: Does not secure account.
- D: Correct.
Deep Analysis
Core logic
Technical safeguards require access control when a workstation is unattended.
Distractor analysis
A: Display power state is not equivalent to access lock. B: Access control must be system-enforced, not by verbal handoff. C: Anyone can still access active session.
Exam trap
Turning off monitor alone is not enough if session remains active.
Memory tip
Step away, lock display.
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