Which of the following is an example of an administrative safeguard?

The correct answer is training and education, as it exemplifies an administrative safeguard within the context of healthcare compliance. Administrative safeguards are policies and procedures designed to manage the selection, development, implementation, and maintenance of security measures and ensure that they meet the requirements of compliance regulations. Training and education is a critical component because it prepares employees to understand their roles and responsibilities related to safeguarding sensitive information, ensuring that they are aware of compliance requirements and security protocols.

In a healthcare setting, a well-informed workforce can significantly enhance the protection of patient data and promote a culture of compliance, reducing the likelihood of breaches or non-compliance incidents. It emphasizes the importance of human factors in maintaining security, beyond technical solutions or physical safeguards.

In contrast, other options like passwords, encryption, and auto log off represent technical safeguards focused on protecting data through technology rather than addressing the administrative policies and procedures that govern organizational behavior and staff training. These technical measures are important but do not fall under the domain of administrative safeguards, which is why they do not represent the correct answer in this context.