Short Answer 
The compliance with PII safeguarding procedures involves understanding personally identifiable information (PII), recognizing HIPAA regulations for protecting sensitive health information, and ensuring compliance in practice by securely handling individuals’ data with their consent. Following these steps helps prevent unauthorized access and aligns with privacy laws.
Step 1: Understand PII
PII, or personally identifiable information, refers to any data that can potentially identify an individual. This includes direct identifiers like names and social security numbers, as well as indirect identifiers such as birth dates or email addresses. Complying with PII safeguarding procedures means handling this information carefully to prevent unauthorized access or breaches.
Step 2: Recognize HIPAA Regulations
HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is federal legislation designed to protect sensitive patient health information (PHI). It mandates that personal health data cannot be shared with third parties without patient consent. Understanding HIPAA is crucial for ensuring that any actions taken, such as contacting individuals for updates, do not violate privacy laws.
Step 3: Ensure Compliance in Practice
In this scenario, contacting an individual to update their personnel record is compliant with PII safeguarding procedures since it involves directly obtaining permission from the individual to correct or complete their PII. Always ensure that the information exchange is conducted in a secure manner to maintain privacy and adhere to regulations.