Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

Organizations must designate a person responsible for privacy obligations according to which CSA principle?

1. accountability

2. limiting collection

3. limiting use

4. openness

The correct answer is: accountability

The principle of accountability within the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) guidelines emphasizes that organizations must assign specific responsibility for ensuring compliance with privacy obligations. This principle mandates that there should be individuals who are accountable for establishing and implementing policies and practices that protect personal information. By designating a person for these responsibilities, organizations demonstrate a structured approach to managing privacy, fostering a culture of accountability and ensuring that privacy practices are adhered to effectively. In contrast, the other principles focus on different aspects of personal information management. Limiting collection pertains to the necessity of collecting only the information required for specific purposes, while limiting use refers to using personal information solely for the purposes for which it was collected. Openness emphasizes the need for organizations to be transparent about their policies and practices regarding personal information. Thus, while these principles are important, accountability uniquely addresses the need for designated responsibility, highlighting its central role in the governance of privacy practices.