HIPAA Compliance: Do you need it and how to achieve it?

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Protecting sensitive health information is more important than ever. With the rise of cybercrime, increasing fines and civil penalties, companies need to take action to protect patient data.  Let's take a look at HIPAA, who it applies to, and the steps needed to ensure compliance.

What is HIPAA?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law enacted in 1996 designed to safeguard patient data and ensure privacy. There are two types of entities that handle protected health information (PHI), Covered Entities (CE) and Business Associates (BA). An CE can include healthcare providers, health plans, healthcare clearinghouses, Medicare, Veterans Affairs, etc., while an BA includes third party claims, medical transcriptionists, IT consultants, vendors, sub-contractors and similar support partners. The primary goal of HIPAA is to ensure that PHI is properly protected while allowing the flow of health information needed to provide high-quality healthcare.

Does HIPAA Apply to me?

If your company encounters, stores, or transports PHI, you should be taking steps to ensure HIPAA compliance.

Steps to Ensure HIPAA Compliance

1. Conduct a Security Risk Assessment:  Have a qualified professional or company identify potential risks and vulnerabilities to PHI within your organization. 

2. Develop Policies and Procedures: Establish comprehensive policies and procedures that align with the HIPAA Privacy Rule. These should cover how PHI is handled, stored, and shared within your organization.

3. Designate a Privacy and Security Officer: Assign dedicated individuals to oversee HIPAA compliance and security measures. These officers will be responsible for implementing and maintaining your HIPAA compliance program.

4. Implement Effective Training Programs: Educate your employees about HIPAA regulations and the importance of protecting PHI. Regular training sessions can help ensure that everyone in your organization understands their role in maintaining compliance.

5. Ensure Channels of Communication: Create clear channels for employees to report any violations or breaches of HIPAA regulations. Encourage a culture of transparency and accountability.

6. Monitor Compliance: Regularly audit your processes and systems to ensure ongoing compliance with HIPAA standards. This proactive approach can help identify and address potential issues before they become significant problems.

7. Enforce Sanctions Policies: Develop and enforce policies for addressing non-compliance. Ensure that sanctions are applied fairly and consistently across your organization.

8. Respond Promptly to Violations: If a violation or breach occurs, take immediate action to address it. This includes notifying affected individuals and taking steps to prevent future incidents.

HIPAA compliance is not just a legal requirement; it's a commitment to protecting the privacy and security of patient information. By following these steps and fostering a culture of compliance within your organization, you can help ensure that sensitive health information remains secure.

For more information, check out our HIPAA Compliance Checklist

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