As Director of the HIM Department, after considering options to limit access to the record file area, you decide to

• A. Install a biometric access system
• B. Install a computerized access control panel
• C. Increase surveillance cameras
• D. Change door locks daily

Answer: (B)

Limiting access to a record file area relies on solid physical access control that enforces who can enter and when. A computerized access control panel provides centralized management of doors and credentials, so you can grant, revoke, and adjust permissions quickly as roles change. It creates an audit trail showing who accessed the area and at what time, which is essential for accountability and investigations if any issue arises. This combination of real-time enforcement and detailed logging aligns well with protecting sensitive health information and meeting regulatory expectations.

While biometric systems offer strong individual verification, they can be costly and raise privacy or maintenance concerns, and cameras mainly deter or detect after the fact rather than prevent unauthorized entry. Simply changing door locks daily is impractical and fails to provide ongoing control or a usable log of access events.