Final answer:
The statement that authentication ensures a user is permitted access to specific PHI is true. Authentication is a security measure that verifies the identity of individuals to prevent unauthorized access to medical records, contributing to the protection of PHI.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement Authentication ensures that a user is permitted access to specific PHI is true. Authentication is an essential security step in protecting Personal Health Information (PHI). It is part of the process to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive medical records. By verifying the identity of a person or entity, authentication helps prevent unauthorized access to PHI, thereby maintaining its confidentiality and integrity.
It's important to distinguish authentication from authorization, though. While authentication confirms that the user is who they claim to be, authorization determines what an authenticated user is allowed to do. In a healthcare setting, even after being authenticated, users might have different levels of authorization, depending on their role and the policies in place.