Like many other people, you keep hearing about increased HIPAA enforcement and the increase in patient data breaches. And naturally you are starting to worry. But here is the problem, you are not sure what to do about HIPAA security or where to start.
Privacy is much easier
HIPAA privacy is much more intuitive. Only disclosing information to patients, their representatives and other providers makes a lot of sense. Not leaving paper charts open so other patients or visitors can read the chart makes perfect sense.
Security is more confusing
Complying with the HIPAA Security Rule and securing patient information is a lot more confusing. Media disposal procedures, security risk assessment, system activity review, encryption of data in transit all are required but are not very clear regarding what they mean and how they need to be implemented. At times HIPAA security can sound like a foreign language.
At times HIPAA security can sound like a foreign language
A security risk assessment
The core of HIPAA security is to perform a security risk assessment. A security risk assessment looks at the risks to patient information and recommends how to better protect the information. If your organization is going for EHR Meaningful Use incentives, an annual risk assessment is also required. A great first step is to read what a risk assessment is, why organizations are required to perform one and how it helps protect patient information.
We have put together an easy to understand guide that clearly explains what a HIPAA risk assessment is (written in plain English without a lot of security mumbo jumbo). Click on the link below to download the guide.
Once you have a better understanding of what a risk assessment is, take a look at our HIPAA Secure Now (HSN) service. We perform the risk assessment for you, we write your policies and procedures and we train your employees. We developed the HSN service to make it easy and affordable to comply with HIPAA security requirements and protect patient information. Click on the link below for more information.
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