What is a requirement for Electronic Data Intermediaries (EDI)?

The requirement for Electronic Data Intermediaries (EDI) to provide an audit trail and maintain patient confidentiality is crucial for ensuring the protection of sensitive health information. This is important because the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandates that any electronic transmission of protected health information (PHI) must include measures to safeguard privacy and security.

Having an audit trail means that there is a trackable record of any access or modifications made to the data. This allows for accountability and traceability, which are essential in the healthcare field. It ensures that any unauthorized access can be identified and addressed, thus helping to maintain trust in the system and protect patient information.

While other options suggest various attributes of EDI systems, they do not align with the legal and ethical requirements governing the handling of personal health information to the same extent. For example, assessing accessibility or availability does not necessarily encompass the critical elements of security and confidentiality that are paramount in healthcare settings.