The Administrative Simplification Compliance Act of 2001 requires that all Medicare claims be submitted electronically.

1. Discuss at least two vulnerabilities in the protection of electronic health information:

   • Data Breaches: Electronic health information is susceptible to data breaches, where unauthorized individuals or entities gain access to sensitive patient information. Breaches can occur due to weak security protocols, outdated software, or phishing attacks, leading to compromised confidentiality and potential misuse of personal health data.
   • Insider Threats: Employees or individuals with authorized access to electronic health records (EHRs) may misuse or intentionally leak information. This can happen due to negligence, lack of training, or malicious intent, highlighting the need for stringent access controls and monitoring.

2. Identify and discuss specific resources or federal agencies to remain informed about public health trends and practices:

   • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC provides comprehensive updates on public health trends, disease outbreaks, and preventive measures. Resources like the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) and the CDC website are essential for staying informed.
   • Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC): The ONC offers resources on health IT policies, data security best practices, and interoperability standards to ensure secure and effective use of electronic health information.