Which of the following actions helps maintain data privacy as per HIPAA?

Logging out when finished with the workstation is crucial for maintaining data privacy as per HIPAA because it ensures that unauthorized individuals cannot access sensitive patient information once you step away from your computer. HIPAA mandates that healthcare entities implement reasonable safeguards to protect patient information, including securing workstations and limiting access to only those authorized. By logging out, you are actively protecting patient data from potential breaches that could occur if someone else were to use the workstation without permission.

In contrast, other actions, like using the same password for multiple accounts or allowing shared access to login credentials, significantly increase the risk of unauthorized data access and compromise data integrity. Installing software from unverified sources can introduce malware or vulnerabilities that threaten data security. Thus, maintaining a practice of logging out after each session is a fundamental step in ensuring compliance with HIPAA and protecting patient privacy.