In the healthcare industry, safeguarding electronic protected health information (ePHI) requires organizations to be on top of security protocols and continuous risk assessments. As cloud-based workflows become standard, medical entities and their language partners must ensure that sensitive patient data remains secure at every touchpoint.
What a HIPAA Security Officer Does
Claudio Oulego works as a HIPAA security officer at Terra to oversee the security framework that protects every piece of electronic protected health information handled by the organization.
As he explains, this requires a combination of technical expertise, regulatory awareness, and ongoing risk evaluation to keep sensitive data safe while supporting daily operations.
Key Responsibilities of a HIPAA Security Officer
Establishing, managing, and enforcing security protocols that safeguard information security systems involves:
- Maintaining HIPAA compliance mechanisms to ensure the integrity of healthcare information, including documentation and audits.
- Defining and implementing technical and administrative controls, such as access management, encryption, and secure configurations.
- Training team members in security policies and best practices in collaboration with the HIPAA privacy officer.
- Conducting continuous risk assessments that could affect the security of health information.
- Identifying possible security incidents and implementing measures to prevent those events.
Staying Current in the Security Landscape
Claudio works with compliance management platforms that help monitor controls, document policies, and support audit readiness. These tools complement his technical background by providing structured oversight, allowing him to identify potential risks early and adapt security measures as needed. They also support consistency across teams, helping security requirements stay aligned with daily operations.
Beyond these day-to-day responsibilities, his role requires constant vigilance. Healthcare security and privacy regulations continue to evolve, as do the technologies and threats surrounding them. Claudio keeps ahead of the curve in a number of ways. “I’m always learning through specialized training and industry forums focused on cybersecurity, compliance, and emerging technologies,” he says. “For me, staying informed also means maintaining close contact with compliance and security partners, monitoring official sources, and following technical bulletins to anticipate regulatory changes or emerging risks before they become issues.”
Protecting ePHI Means Protecting Patients
When people think about information security, they often picture systems, software, and infrastructure. But for Claudio, the most critical element is human. Many security incidents can begin with common, everyday errors: a reused password, a rushed click on a phishing email, or a device connected to an unsecured network. That’s why Claudio places so much emphasis on team training and awareness.
For him, helping people understand not just what the rules are, but why they exist and who they’re ultimately meant to protect, is the most important element of his work. Behind every translation is a person who has trusted the healthcare system with their most sensitive information. When teams see security as a way to safeguard patients, it becomes part of a culture of care.
Conclusion
Protecting ePHI is an ongoing responsibility that blends technology, policy, and people. A strong HIPAA security officer role helps ensure patient data remains secure throughout translation workflows, supporting compliance, reducing risk, and reinforcing a culture where privacy and care go hand in hand.
