Which practice supports data privacy when dispensing medications?

• A. Limit data access
• B. Follow privacy laws
• C. Maintain secure dispensing logs
• D. All of the above

Answer: (C)

Maintaining secure dispensing logs directly protects patient privacy in the dispensing process. When logs are kept secure, access is restricted to authorized staff, data within the logs is protected from tampering, and every dispensing event is recorded with who accessed it, when, and what was viewed or dispensed. This creates an auditable trail that helps prevent unauthorized disclosure of patient information and makes it possible to investigate any privacy concerns quickly and accurately. While limiting data access and complying with privacy laws are important parts of a privacy program, secure dispensing logs provide the concrete, day-to-day mechanism that enforces privacy during actual dispensing events.