What this control covers
Standard: Deceased individuals: A covered entity must comply with the requirements of this subpart with respect to the protected health information of a deceased individual for a period of 50 years following the death of the individual. From 160.103 (Definitions): Protected health information means individually identifiable health information: (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this definition,[...] (2) Protected health information excludes individually identifiable health information: [...] (iv) Regarding a person who has been deceased for more than 50 years.
Why it matters
Risk is the language an executive team understands; this control connects technical reality to board-level decisions and budget allocation.
How to implement
AWS
Codify the policy intent as SCPs, AWS Config conformance packs, and Security Hub standards so the cloud enforces what the document says.
Azure
Codify in Azure Policy initiatives (built-in regulatory compliance for CIS, ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA) and assign at management-group level.
On-premises
Maintain a policy library with a documented review cadence (annual minimum); store in your GRC tool with attestation tracking. Map each policy to controls so an audit pull cites the exact policy clause.
Evidence to collect
policy_document— A signed, version-controlled policy stating leadership intent and the named owner.
Signed policy or standard documents the safeguard. Focus: Deceased individuals.
Quick checklist
- Information — Requirements / Management
- Person — Requirements / Management
- Requirements — Requirements / Management
- Policy — Requirements / Management
- Definitions: — Requirements / Management
- Standard: — Requirements / Management