Automatic Logoff Policy (UBIT HIPAA)

Category: HIPAA Security
Responsible Office: UBIT HIPAA Compliance
Responsible Executive: Vice President and Chief Information Officer (VPCIO)
Approved By (Name/Title): J. Brice Bible, VPCIO

CATEGORY: Technical Safeguards
TYPE: Addressable Implementation Specification for Access Control Standard
CITATION:  45 CFR 164.312(a)(2)(iii)

The University at Buffalo Information Technology (UBIT) operates as a covered entity as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights. HIPAA Regulation Text 45 CFR Part 164.312(a)(2) requires a covered entity to implement technical policies and procedures for electronic information systems that maintain electronic protected health information to allow access to those persons or software programs that have been granted access rights as specified in 164.308 (a)(4) Information Access Policy.

UBIT implements reasonable and appropriate electronic procedures on ePHI Systems to terminate electronic sessions after a predetermined time of activity through an automatic logoff mechanism or an equivalent alternative mechanism.

This policy applies to all UBIT workforce members.

Workforce members: Adhere to policies and procedures as written.

HIPAA Security and Privacy Officer: Ensures implementation of electronic procedures that terminate an electronic session after a predetermined time of inactivity.

Compliance Officer: Participates in ensuring the security ePHI is effective and enforced, in conjunction with the HIPAA Security and Privacy Officer.

Date Approved: 12/4/2017