SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hipaa-person-entity-authentication-required

What must happen before someone accesses ePHI?

Verify that the person or entity is who they claim.

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  1. Verify patient addresses
  2. Authenticate software licenses
  3. Verify the person seeking ePHI is who they claim ✔

Why: Person or entity authentication is required. It verifies that a person or entity seeking access to ePHI is the one claimed.

Huh, didn't know that: This often combines a unique ID with a password, PIN, or biometric.

The dad joke
Why did the system ask, 'Who goes there?' Because authentication is required before entry.
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References

Answer: Verify the person seeking ePHI is who they claim. Person or entity authentication is required. It verifies that a person or entity seeking access to ePHI is the one claimed.

  1. 45 CFR 164.312(d) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-A/subchapter-C/part-164/subpart-C/section-164.312
    Implement procedures to verify that a person or entity seeking access to electronic protected health information is the one claimed.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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