Final answer:
A 'required' implementation specification is mandatory and must be adopted by CEs. An 'addressable' implementation specification is flexible and allows CEs to determine appropriate measures based on their circumstances.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), 'required' and 'addressable' implementation specifications refer to the technical and organizational measures that covered entities (CEs) must take to secure protected health information (PHI).
A 'required' implementation specification is one that CEs must adopt and implement as stated in the HIPAA regulations without exception. These are essential safeguards for protecting PHI and are mandatory for CEs.
On the other hand, an 'addressable' implementation specification is a flexible requirement that allows CEs to determine and implement appropriate measures based on their specific circumstances. CEs have the flexibility to choose an alternative, equivalent measure, or document why the specification is not reasonable or appropriate for their situation.