HIPAA Law

Healthcare IT consultants can ensure HIPAA compliance for their clients by conducting thorough assessments of their systems, identifying potential vulnerabilities in data storage, transmission, and access, implementing robust encryption and security protocols, training staff on privacy practices, and assisting in the development of comprehensive policies and procedures that align with HIPAA regulations to safeguard patient … Read more

HIPAA compliance affects digital health startups by imposing strict regulations and requirements on how they handle, store, and transmit protected health information (PHI), necessitating the implementation of robust security measures, privacy safeguards, and administrative procedures to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of patient data, which can lead to increased development and operational costs, complex legal … Read more

HIPAA compliance ensures that healthcare interoperability solutions uphold patient privacy and security standards while facilitating seamless data exchange between different healthcare systems, making it integral for healthcare interoperability solutions to adhere to these regulations. As the healthcare sector evolves, the seamless exchange of patient information between various healthcare systems becomes very important. Healthcare interoperability solutions … Read more

Ensuring HIPAA compliance in a home healthcare agency involves implementing strict data protection protocols, conducting regular employee training on patient privacy rights, using encrypted communication tools, performing risk assessments, and adopting policies that safeguard PHI tailored to the unique challenges presented by in-home care environments. Agencies must implement strict data protection protocols, ensuring all electronic … Read more

A patient-centered medical home ensures HIPAA compliance by implementing rigorous data protection measures, regular staff training on PHI and PII handling, utilizing encrypted communication methods, routinely auditing their systems for potential vulnerabilities, and collaborating with stakeholders to prioritize patient privacy throughout all healthcare operations. With the integration of technology and the increasing reliance on electronic … Read more

Health insurance agents must adhere to strict HIPAA compliance regulations to ensure the privacy and security of patients’ protected health information (PHI), which includes maintaining confidentiality, implementing appropriate safeguards, providing necessary training to staff, and obtaining patient consent when necessary to access or disclose their PHI, thereby safeguarding individuals’ sensitive health data. Healthcare insurance agents … Read more

HIPAA’s strengths lie in its establishment of strong safeguards for the confidentiality and security of personal health information, standardization of healthcare transactions, and empowerment of individuals’ rights, but its weaknesses encompass potential challenges in adapting to rapidly evolving technological landscapes, variations in enforcement and understanding among covered entities, and the delicate balance between privacy protection … Read more

Home care providers can ensure HIPAA compliance for protected health information (PHI) by implementing strict data privacy and security measures, such as encrypted electronic health record systems, rigorous staff training on patient privacy rights and protocols, regular audits of data access, and the establishment of clear communication guidelines with patients and their families, ensuring that … Read more

An ambulatory care center can ensure HIPAA compliance for protected health information (PHI) by implementing stringent data protection policies, continuously training staff on patient privacy rights, utilizing encrypted electronic communication and storage systems, regularly auditing and monitoring access to PHI, and ensuring that all vendors and third-party affiliates are also compliant, while promptly addressing any … Read more

A behavioral health facility can ensure HIPAA compliance by implementing stringent security measures, including encrypted electronic health record systems, regular employee training sessions on patient privacy policies, conducting periodic risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities, establishing clear protocols for data access and sharing, maintaining physical security of stored records, and consistently monitoring and auditing system access … Read more

To ensure HIPAA compliance in clinical trial data management, it is necessary to implement robust security measures such as encryption, restricted access controls, regular employee training, thorough risk assessments, strict audit trails, and the establishment of compliant data handling protocols that encompass data storage, transmission, and disposal, thereby safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of patient … Read more

Home care agencies can ensure HIPAA compliance by implementing strict policies and procedures for the secure handling and storage of patients’ protected health information (PHI), conducting regular staff training on HIPAA laws, utilizing encrypted communication and storage systems, maintaining audit logs to track access to PHI, performing risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities, and establishing contingency … Read more

To ensure adherence to HIPAA compliance within digital therapeutics it is necessary to implement stringent technical safeguards such as encryption and secure authentication, conduct thorough risk assessments and regular audits of the digital platform, establish strict access controls with role-based permissions for patient data, maintain robust data backup and disaster recovery processes, provide comprehensive staff … Read more

An urgent care facility can ensure HIPAA compliance by implementing comprehensive security measures, including robust access controls, encrypted communication systems, regular staff training, strict policies for handling and disclosing patient information, thorough risk assessments, and continuous auditing of processes to safeguard patient privacy and uphold the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of protected health information (PHI). … Read more

A patient advocacy service can ensure HIPAA compliance by implementing strict security measures for the storage and transmission of protected health information (PHI), conducting regular risk assessments, providing comprehensive staff training on privacy practices, obtaining signed Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) with any third-party service providers that handle PHI, establishing clear protocols for handling and disclosing … Read more

HIPAA compliance impacts healthcare payment systems by mandating strict security and privacy measures, necessitating the protection of patients’ sensitive financial and medical information, requiring secure electronic transactions and data storage, enforcing controlled access and authorization protocols, and imposing penalties for breaches, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of payment-related data within the healthcare context. HIPAA … Read more

HIPAA compliance significantly impacts psychotherapists by imposing stringent standards for the management and protection of patient health information. HIPAA requires psychotherapists to uphold the privacy and security of patient health information, which encompasses both mental health records and any related therapeutic notes. This commitment to safeguarding patient data mandates the integration of administrative, physical, and … Read more

A healthcare consulting firm can ensure HIPAA compliance for clients by conducting a thorough assessment of their current data handling practices, identifying potential vulnerabilities or gaps in security, implementing necessary administrative, technical, and physical safeguards, providing comprehensive employee training on HIPAA regulations, regularly auditing and monitoring the effectiveness of compliance measures, and offering ongoing guidance … Read more

HIPAA compliance applies to voice recognition systems in healthcare by requiring that these systems ensure the protection and confidentiality of protected health information (PHI) by implementing strict data encryption, access controls, and regular audits, while also obtaining proper authorizations before sharing or processing any health-related data, ensuring that the information is not unintentionally exposed or … Read more

To ensure HIPAA compliance for teletherapy services, it is important to obtain clear permission from patients about the method of teletherapy, educate staff on privacy protocols, and consistently check the system for possible weaknesses or violations. Teletherapy services should also regularly Train personnel about privacy practices and monitoring the system regularly for potential vulnerabilities or … Read more

HIPAA compliance in healthcare data analytics plays an important role in guaranteeing the protection and confidentiality of patients’ health information. HIPAA enforces stringent guidelines to ensure that protected health information (PHI) remains secure. This means that any data used for analytics must be appropriately de-identified, stripping it of any information that could directly or indirectly … Read more

HIPAA compliance requirements for telemedicine encompass a set of measures to safeguard patient information and ensure privacy in remote healthcare services. Healthcare providers must establish and maintain secure communication channels that utilize encryption to protect patient data during transmission and storage. Regular risk assessments should be conducted to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in the … Read more

HIPAA compliance applies to psychiatric hospitals as they handle sensitive protected health information (PHI) of individuals seeking mental health services, necessitating strict safeguards in their electronic health records (EHR) systems, staff training, and administrative procedures to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of patient data, while also permitting necessary disclosures for treatment coordination and specific … Read more

Dentists can ensure HIPAA compliance through an approach that prioritizes the safeguarding of patient information. Dentists should enforce data protection policies that explain the practices for handling patient records. The use of encrypted communication and storage solutions prevents unauthorized access and breaches. Regular HIPAA training should be scheduled for staff, explaining the importance of privacy … Read more

HIPAA is important to patients because it safeguards their fundamental right to privacy, confidentiality, and control over their personal health information, ensuring that their sensitive medical data remains secure and protected from unauthorized access or disclosure, fostering trust in the healthcare system and promoting effective communication between patients and healthcare providers. HIPAA is important to … Read more

Orthopedic practices ensure HIPAA compliance by diligently integrating administrative, technical, and physical measures to safeguard patient health information (PHI). By doing so, they not only align with the regulations set by HIPAA but also prioritize the confidentiality and security of their patient’s data. This involves continuous risk assessments, employee training, and the adoption of state-of-the-art … Read more

HIPAA continues to apply after a person’s death, ensuring the ongoing protection of sensitive health information and establishing guidelines for the privacy and security of protected health information (PHI) even in the event of an individual’s passing. HIPAA serves as a critical framework for safeguarding patient privacy and security during their lifetime, its provisions extend … Read more

Medical schools can ensure HIPAA compliance by implementing strict administrative, technical, and physical safeguards such as robust data encryption, role-based access controls, comprehensive staff training, regular security assessments, meticulous documentation of policies and procedures, and continuous monitoring to protect and secure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of patient health information during all educational activities and … Read more

Integrated healthcare delivery systems, encompassing hospitals, clinics, and health plans, are mandated to uphold HIPAA compliance, necessitating a holistic strategy that ensures the protection of all patient data forms. To achieve this, solid security practices for both electronic and traditional records are adopted, ensuring the confidentiality of protected health information (PHI). Advanced cybersecurity tools, encryption … Read more

Most people who know of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability act of 1996 will know that it protects patient privacy. But how far does the Act extend? Does it prevent workers from sharing stories about their practice? How much can healthcare workers disclose about their day? Is telling a story about a patient a … Read more

HIPAA was established to protect the privacy and security of patients’ health information, and any breaches or non-compliance with its standards can lead to severe consequences. If an organization or individual fails to uphold these standards, penalties can be imposed based on the nature and extent of the violation as well as the harm caused. … Read more

HIPAA has changed healthcare by enhancing patient privacy, strengthening data security, streamlining administrative processes, empowering patients’ rights, promoting accountability and compliance, encouraging technological advancements, and supporting research and public health initiatives. Since its enactment, HIPAA has had a profound impact by introducing key changes in areas such as patient privacy, data security, administrative processes, patient … Read more

HIPAA compliance holds significant relevance for public health agencies, particularly in instances where these agencies are involved in activities concerning the management and circulation of individually identifiable health information. Public health agencies are bound by HIPAA, which establishes rigorous standards to safeguard the privacy, security, and confidentiality of sensitive health data. This necessitates the implementation … Read more

Hospices can ensure HIPAA compliance by establishing and maintaining comprehensive data protection and patient privacy protocols. To do so, hospices should utilize secure electronic health record systems that guarantee the safe storage and retrieval of patient information. Regular training sessions for staff are important to keep everyone updated on the latest privacy standards and best … Read more

To ensure HIPAA compliance for electronic health record (EHR) software, a delicate approach must be undertaken. Robust access controls must be used to limit and monitor who can access protected health information (PHI), this minimizes unauthorized access and potential breaches. Implementing end-to-end encryption is valuable in safeguarding PHI from potential threats. Regular risk assessments should … Read more

To ensure HIPAA compliance in the use of healthcare APIs, implement robust encryption measures for data transmission, authenticate and authorize users with strict access controls, conduct regular security assessments and audits, maintain detailed audit logs of API activities, establish Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) with API service providers, and train personnel on HIPAA regulations and secure … Read more

HIPAA training is important as it ensures healthcare professionals and organizations comply with the stringent regulations set forth by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, safeguarding patient privacy and confidentiality, promoting data security and breach prevention, and fostering a culture of legal and ethical compliance within the healthcare industry. By undergoing HIPAA training, healthcare … Read more

For healthcare analytics companies, HIPAA compliance mandates the rigorous application of data security measures, frequent risk evaluations, employee training on privacy practices, and robust encryption and access controls, all aimed at safeguarding patient information while simultaneously extracting valuable insights to improve healthcare outcomes. These organizations handle large amounts of healthcare data such as electronic health … Read more

Ensuring digital health records are HIPAA compliant involves implementing stringent security measures, robust encryption protocols, user authentication mechanisms, access controls, regular audits, and staff training to safeguard patient health information and maintain privacy in accordance with HIPAA laws. Achieving compliance necessitates securing patient data using tools such as firewalls and encryption, limiting access through authentication … Read more

HIPAA compliance applies to disease management programs by ensuring that they maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all electronic protected health information (ePHI) they create, receive, maintain, or transmit, while implementing necessary safeguards to protect against unauthorized access, disclosures, and breaches, thereby preserving patient privacy and trust in the handling of their personal health … Read more

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regulates HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, and overseeing compliance with its regulations, ensuring that covered entities and business associates adhere to the standards set forth in HIPAA’s Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules to protect the privacy, security, and confidentiality of individuals’ protected … Read more

HIPAA was enacted in 1996 to address several important concerns in the healthcare industry. It aimed to protect the privacy and security of individuals’ health information. Before HIPAA, there were no comprehensive federal regulations governing the use and disclosure of medical records, which raised concerns about unauthorized access and misuse of sensitive data. HIPAA was … Read more

HIPAA benefits patients by safeguarding their privacy and promoting the security of their medical information, allowing them to have control over their personal health data, fostering trust in healthcare providers, and facilitating efficient healthcare delivery while reducing the risk of unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse of sensitive patient information. You understand that HIPAA plays a … Read more

HIPAA is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1996 that establishes national standards to safeguard the privacy, security, and confidentiality of patients’ protected health information (PHI) in the healthcare industry, ensuring patient autonomy, data protection, and legal compliance. Understand the comprehensive significance of HIPAA in the following points: HIPAA is a crucial federal law that … Read more

HIPAA was enacted by the United States Congress in 1996 with the primary objective of safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of patients’ personal health information (PHI) while facilitating the electronic exchange of medical data among healthcare entities. This multifaceted legislation has had a profound impact on the healthcare industry, encouraging the adoption of standardized processes, … Read more

The HIPAA Security Rule is a regulation established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic protected health information (ePHI). It sets standards and requirements for healthcare organizations and their business associates to ensure the security of patient data. The Security Rule is crucial … Read more

What does HIPAA Protect? What kinds of information are covered by the Act, and why is it important that this data is protected? We will discuss the answers to those questions in this post.  HIPAA had many purposes when it was introduced, ranging from tax reform to expanding access to health insurance. However, it is … Read more

HIPAA, is crucial for healthcare employees as it ensures the protection of patient privacy and confidentiality, maintains the security of sensitive health information, fosters trust between patients and healthcare providers, and helps to avoid legal and financial consequences for violations. Healthcare professionals with a high level of education must recognize the importance of HIPAA as … Read more

Given how well-known the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is, it may be surprising to learn how narrowly defined a “Covered Entity” is. Possession of health data does not automatically make an organization subject to HIPAA law, leading many to ask: what is a covered entity under HIPAA? Which organizations are required to follow … Read more

What happens after a HIPAA complaint is filed? Is there a specific timeline that a patient can expect to be followed? How should complaints be made in the first place?  Under HIPAA, all patients have the right to complain to healthcare organizations, health plans, or healthcare clearinghouses (all deemed to be HIPAA “Covered Entities”, CEs) … Read more

HIPAA is important to employees because it safeguards their personal health information, promotes trust in the healthcare system, ensures privacy rights, prevents unauthorized disclosures, and establishes guidelines for secure data handling. HIPAA has been enacted to protect the confidentiality and security of individuals’ health information, ensuring that employees’ privacy rights are respected and their sensitive … Read more

How do you avoid HIPAA violations? Should HIPAA Covered Entities and Business Associates resign themselves to the fact that HIPAA violations are hard to avoid and give up trying to avoid them? Of course, the answer to that question is “no”, and during this article we will discuss what can be done to avoid HIPAA … Read more

HIPAA, is crucial for billing and coding as it safeguards patient privacy and confidentiality, ensures accurate claims processing, prevents fraudulent activities, and establishes standardized procedures for transmitting healthcare information securely. Understanding the importance of HIPAA in the context of billing and coding requires a comprehensive examination of the act’s provisions, implications, and benefits. In this … Read more

Signing a HIPAA privacy form is an essential requirement within the healthcare industry, as it serves multiple purposes aimed at safeguarding patient privacy, maintaining confidentiality, and upholding the principles outlined in the HIPAA. This act was enacted by the United States Congress in 1996 to establish national standards for the protection of certain health information. … Read more

Despite the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) first being enacted over 20 years ago, some organizations are still found to be violating HIPAA Rules. Common causes for violations are related to security procedures. Below, we will outline some essential areas that HIPAA covered entities and their business associates should review to avoid sanctions … Read more

The HIPAA was enacted on August 21, 1996. It is a federal law in the United States that was designed to safeguard and protect the privacy and security of individuals’ health information. HIPAA introduced several important provisions and regulations that impact the healthcare industry. It established national standards for electronic health care transactions, such as … Read more

A patient signs a HIPAA form for several important reasons. Signing the form allows the healthcare provider to disclose the patient’s protected health information (PHI) to other parties involved in their care, such as other healthcare professionals or insurance companies. This ensures coordinated and effective treatment. The HIPAA form informs the patient about their rights … Read more

Are Amazon Web Services (AWS) HIPAA Compliant? AWS includes the necessary features to be used in compliance with HIPAA’s Security Rule and Amazon will enter into Business Associate Agreements (BAA) with covered entities. Does this mean AWS is HIPAA compliant? As we often state, even when tools include all the required settings they must be … Read more

You are required to sign a HIPAA form in order to comply with the HIPAA, which is a federal law designed to protect the privacy and security of patients’ sensitive health information. By signing the HIPAA form, patients contribute to maintaining the trust and confidentiality that are fundamental to the healthcare provider-patient relationship. Overall, the … Read more

The HIPAA Privacy Rule exists to protect the privacy and security of individuals’ protected health information (PHI), ensuring that healthcare entities adhere to national standards and regulations to maintain the confidentiality of patient data, enhance patient trust, and promote the secure exchange of healthcare information. The HIPAA Privacy Rule, established under the HIPAA, serves as … Read more

HIPAA exists to safeguard the privacy, security, and confidentiality of individuals’ protected health information (PHI) by establishing national standards and regulations for healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses, ensuring individuals’ control over their PHI, facilitating the efficient exchange of healthcare data, and promoting trust in the healthcare system. HIPAA exists to protect patients’ privacy, … Read more

Regulators added new standards after HIPAA’s initial implementation to adapt to evolving technologies, address emerging challenges in healthcare practices, enhance privacy and security protections, mitigate risks associated with electronic health information, and align with changes in the regulatory landscape to ensure the continued effectiveness of HIPAA in safeguarding patient privacy and maintaining the integrity of … Read more

HIPAA was initially enacted in response to concerns regarding the privacy and security of individuals’ protected health information (PHI) and the need for standardized regulations to ensure its confidentiality, integrity, and availability. HIPAA was enacted in 1996 to address several key issues related to healthcare and patient information. The primary objective was to establish national … Read more

HIPAA compliance holds significant importance as it serves multiple crucial purposes. It acts as a safeguard for the privacy and security of patients’ sensitive health information. By implementing HIPAA regulations, healthcare organizations can ensure that patient data remains protected from unauthorized access or disclosure, minimizing the risk of potential breaches that could compromise individuals’ personal … Read more

A hospital must report a suspected breach of Protected Health Information (PHI) to the appropriate regulatory authorities, such as the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as mandated by the HIPAA Privacy Rule. In the unfortunate event of a suspected breach of PHI, hospitals must adhere … Read more

HIPAA can be broken when there is patient authorization, a legal requirement, a necessity for treatment, public health activities, disclosure to avert serious harm, certain research purposes, and when incidental disclosures occur. HIPAA establishes strict guidelines for the protection and privacy of patient health information. However, there are certain circumstances where HIPAA allows for the … Read more

When imposing fines for violating the disclosure of protected health information (PHI), factors such as the severity of the incident, the intent of the violator, organization size, adequacy of security measures, patient harm assessment, corrective actions, compliance programs, financial hardship, and mitigating factors may not receive sufficient consideration. The imposition of fines for violations related … Read more

HIPAA became a law to address the rising concerns and challenges associated with the privacy and security of individuals’ protected health information (PHI), ensuring its confidentiality, integrity, and availability in the healthcare industry, while also establishing standards for electronic transactions and providing individuals with rights and control over their health information. HIPAA became a law … Read more

HIPAA holds significant importance within the healthcare industry, serving as a pivotal safeguard for patient privacy, data security, trust-building, and the efficient exchange of medical information. This legislation, enacted by the United States Congress in 1996, aims to address the evolving challenges posed by healthcare data management and establish a framework that protects patients’ sensitive … Read more

State privacy laws can supersede HIPAA when they provide greater protection for patient privacy and confidentiality or impose additional requirements beyond those established by the federal law, and these state laws may apply to healthcare providers, health plans, and other entities that handle personal health information within a specific state jurisdiction. When it comes to … Read more

Must Emails be Archived to Comply with HIPAA? HIPAA’s Security Rule does not stipulate that email archives must be HIPAA compliant. However, covered entities should consider archiving their email correspondence in a HIPAA compliant manner. The Security Rule does stipulate that electronic communications that include PHI must be kept for at least six years. These … Read more

Understanding HIPAA regulations and rules is of utmost importance for healthcare professionals. HIPAA ensures the protection of patients’ privacy and confidentiality, sets standards for the secure handling of sensitive health information, and establishes guidelines for the exchange of electronic health records. By familiarizing themselves with HIPAA regulations, healthcare professionals can fulfill their ethical and legal … Read more

HIPAA authorization is necessary when a covered entity or a business associate intends to use or disclose an individual’s PHI for purposes not otherwise permitted by the HIPAA Privacy Rule, and the individual’s written permission is obtained. The authorization must be specific, in plain language, and include certain elements outlined in the HIPAA regulations. It … Read more

HIPAA benefits healthcare professionals by establishing strict standards and safeguards for the protection of patient health information, thereby enhancing the integrity, confidentiality, and security of patient data, promoting trust and confidence in the healthcare system, and facilitating efficient and effective healthcare delivery. HIPAA provides numerous benefits to healthcare professionals by establishing standards for the privacy, … Read more

Yes, it is possible to face jail time for up to one year when unknowingly violating HIPAA rules, particularly if the violation involves the unauthorized disclosure of protected health information (PHI) and the severity of the violation is deemed to be significant. Violations of HIPAA regulations are taken seriously and can result in criminal charges, … Read more

When notifying individuals that their protected health information has been breached, the notification should include a clear description of the incident, including the date and approximate time of the breach, the types of information that were accessed or acquired, a brief description of the steps taken to investigate and mitigate the breach, a summary of … Read more

HIPAA is essential because it safeguards sensitive patient information, promotes privacy and security, establishes standards for electronic healthcare transactions, and ensures the continuity and efficiency of healthcare delivery. A comprehensive explanation of the importance of HIPAA, elaborating on its various aspects and implications. HIPAA’s significance lies in its comprehensive approach to safeguarding patient information, promoting … Read more

A HIPAA breach must be reported when it involves the unauthorized acquisition, access, use, or disclosure of protected health information (PHI) that compromises the security or privacy of the individual, and the breach meets the criteria for notification outlined in the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule, which includes conducting a risk assessment to determine if there … Read more

HIPAA does not apply when individuals disclose their own health information to anyone who is not a covered entity or business associate, when the information is shared for purposes unrelated to healthcare, when it is already publicly available, or when a person’s health data is handled by entities not covered under HIPAA, such as life … Read more

HIPAA, went into effect on April 14, 2003, establishing rules and regulations for the protection of individuals’ health information and ensuring privacy and security in the healthcare industry. The implementation of HIPAA was driven by the recognition of the growing role of technology in healthcare and the need to address the potential risks and vulnerabilities … Read more

It is vitally important to protect health information due to a myriad of reasons, including the need to ensure patient confidentiality, maintain trust in healthcare systems, comply with legal and ethical obligations, safeguard sensitive medical data from unauthorized access or misuse, prevent potential harm or discrimination against individuals, and promote the overall well-being of patients … Read more

When you violate HIPAA, which is a federal law in the United States that protects the privacy and security of patients’ medical information, you can face severe consequences including civil and criminal penalties, fines ranging from $100 to $50,000 per violation, imprisonment for up to 10 years for intentional violations, loss of healthcare licenses, reputational … Read more

HIPAA compliance and Saas (Software as a Service) is another area that is causing confusion for many in the healthcare space. This is somewhat understandable as HIPAA was originally introduced in 1996, when the idea of SaaS and cloud storage platforms was far from the common consciousness. More recent Acts and Rules, such as 2009’s … Read more

Is GoToMeeting HIPAA compliant? Could HIPAA covered entities or their business associates use GoToMeeting to share protected health information (PHI) and stay compliant with HIPAA? GoToMeeting is an online conferencing tool developed by LogMeIn. Many solutions of this type exist to enable people to share desktops and perform meetings remotely and they offer a number … Read more

Under HIPAA, healthcare professionals can share patient information without violating HIPAA rules for the purposes of providing treatment, facilitating payment, conducting healthcare operations, participating in public health activities, reporting victims of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence, complying with health oversight activities like audits and inspections, for judicial and administrative proceedings, for law enforcement purposes, for … Read more

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, better known as HIPAA, is an important piece of legislation governing many aspects related to healthcare, but who enforces HIPAA? Which federal departments or bureaus are concerned with checking that covered entities and their business associates are acting in compliance with HIPAA Rules? Who Enforces HIPAA? The chief … Read more

Is Microsoft Azure HIPAA compliant? Can HIPAA covered entities use Microsoft Azure cloud services in compliance with HIPAA Rules? A lot of healthcare organizations are looking to the cloud as a better way to offer some of their services. Indeed, many have already made the switch. While the cloud represents a number of improvements in … Read more

Loss or theft of mobile devices can lead to the breaches of the largest volume of protected health information (PHI), but HIPAA security breaches are most often caused by unauthorized access to patients’ medical records by nosy employees. Veriphyr Identity and Access Intelligence carried out a survey and found that of the seven-out-of-ten entities that … Read more

HIPAA record retention requirements is understood to relate to two separate but similar retention requirements: those for HIPAA medical record retention and those for HIPAA record retention. This similarity has led to some uncertainty. Below we will try to explain which records are required to be kept for HIPAA compliance and what records covered entities … Read more

In specific circumstances, HIPAA covered entities are allowed to share sets of identifiable healthcare information, known as limited data sets, with authorized institutions and remain in compliance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule. In such cases, data can be shared for research, public health information, and healthcare operations without obtaining permission from patients. Limited data sets … Read more

While pagers may be seen as an effectively dead technology, there could still be issues arising from their use with protected health information (PHI). Though largely replaced by other messaging devices, some are wondering whether the use of pagers and paging is HIPAA compliant. Are Pagers HIPAA Compliant? The HIPAA Security and Privacy Rules require … Read more

Under Federal Regulations, specifically 45 CFR 164.308 – the HIPAA Security Rule’s Administrative Safeguards – HIPAA covered entities must appoint a HIPAA Security Officer. The Security Officer must develop and introduce internal policies and processes to safeguard the integrity of electronic protected health information (ePHI). IT managers are commonly put in this role as ePHI … Read more

All staff members should have been trained on their obligations under HIPAA Rules, but how and when should awareness and knowledge of HIPAA be promoted and increased? How regularly should refresher courses or further training be given? The various organizations subject to HIPAA Rules – covered entities, their business associates, and others – are required … Read more

Despite the best efforts of healthcare organizations and their business associates to protect data and follow HIPAA’s Security, Privacy, and Breach Notification Rules, information breaches can and do still happen. While cybercriminals are the breach bogeymen for most business sectors, healthcare often finds itself let down by its own staff. Even with the best procedures … Read more

Even some of the more basic aspects of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) can be difficult to understand, but when it comes to self-insured or self-administered health group plans, the level of complexity goes up a notch. Under HIPAA, healthcare clearing houses, providers, and health plans (referred to as covered entities), are … Read more

The HIPAA Privacy Rule puts a number of restrictions in place to keep protected health information (PHI) secure. This also hampers healthcare organizations’ ability to share information. A way to share data while remaining HIPAA compliant could be the de-identification of information. PHI that has been de-identified has had its identifying elements removed. HIPAA’s Privacy … Read more

Last year, Deven McGraw of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR) spoke about 2017’s HIPAA guidance. In 2016, the Joint Commission revised their position by allowing the use of text messages for orders, but this was quickly banned again. Later that year the Joint Commission again changed the ruling … Read more

Personal phones are increasingly finding themselves being used by healthcare professional to share patient data with care teams. This is an obvious breach of HIPAA Rules. Even if the data is sent to authorized individuals, the use of insecure and unencrypted networks to share sensitive information such as test results and patient data is a … Read more

Texting and HIPAA Compliance for Call Centers Any company that provides an answering or call-forwarding service for the healthcare sector needs to be aware of their obligations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Following the introduction of the Final Omnibus Rule in 2013, companies that provide services relating to the processing, sharing, … Read more

The Majority of SMS Messages Violate HIPAA There is no specific rule under HIPAA that outlaws protected health information (PHI) being sent via SMS – “Short Message Service”. However, there are a number of criteria that must be met for the use of SMS to send PHI to be HIPAA compliant. Many SMS messages violate … Read more