What does 'data governance' ensure within a healthcare organization?

Data governance within a healthcare organization is a critical framework that ensures the proper management of data availability, usability, integrity, and security. This multifaceted approach is essential for maintaining high standards of data quality and compliance with regulations such as HIPAA.

By establishing data governance, an organization can create policies and procedures that guide how data is handled, accessed, and protected. This includes ensuring that the right data is available to the right people at the right time, which enhances decision-making and operational efficiency. Additionally, data governance helps in maintaining the integrity of data, making certain that information is accurate and consistent over its lifecycle. Security measures within this governance framework protect sensitive health information from unauthorized access, thereby safeguarding patient privacy.

Furthermore, focusing solely on improvements in physical infrastructure, data storage capacity, or reduction of errors without a structured data governance strategy can lead to unoptimized processes and potential risks regarding data mishandling. Therefore, the correct choice emphasizes the holistic approach that data governance provides in managing an organization's data landscape effectively and securely.