The HIPAA Security Rule includes requirements for a security incident response plan that are important to know especially as the number of reported data breaches continues to rise. The Data Check Point Research provided a mid-year report on cyber attack trends that indicated a 69% increase in targeted healthcare data breaches between 2021 and 2022. ...
As we wrap up National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’re going to take a look at the importance of protecting your physical devices. The panic that sets in when you misplace your phone or laptop is overwhelming. But that feeling is amplified if that device contains patient information or access to it. When we mention your...
The HIPAA Security Rule mandates that covered entities must conduct a security risk assessment or SRA. This includes health care plans for individuals, government plans (Medicare, Medicaid, Obamacare), and employer-sponsored plans. Providers that conduct electronic health care transactions must comply with the Security Rule. This means conducting an SRA. It is recommended that this occurs...
The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has announced resolutions regarding three HIPAA violation investigations. These settlements result from a years-long emphasis on enforcing this regulation by the OCR. There were three dental practices that were given fines with regard to the potential violation of the HIPAA Privacy Rule’s patient right of access. Recently appointed...
Is Your Trash a HIPAA Violation? In the case of the New England Dermatology and Laser Center (NEDLC), their trash was a violation. And a costly one with a $300,640 fee attached. A security guard found a container with identifying information on the attached label. As a result, an investigation by the Department of Health...
Healthcare businesses need to be aware of the requirements that come with a cybersecurity insurance policy. In a world of online profiles, splashy websites, and great social media campaigns, businesses can misrepresent themselves in more ways than one. A great photo of your team or a full biography may help create patient trust, but it...
HIPAA Compliant Chat Being available to your patients 24/7 isn’t practical for most healthcare practices. Chat services can provide a response option or even resolution until normal business hours resume. Additionally, chats can offer initial patient care or registration services. As a HIPAA-covered entity or business associate, you must consider compliance when offering this service....
Portability in HIPAA There are many aspects of HIPAA. And sometimes there isn’t a clear understanding of what it covers. We also find that it is the “P” that often trips people up. Because of the strong emphasis on confidentiality, security, and safe handling of information, there is an assumption that the word Privacy is...
Health Care Cybersecurity Update on Guidance The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has provided updated guidance for the health care industry. Designed to help with electronically protected health information (ePHI), they have created a new draft titled Implementing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Security Rule: A Cybersecurity Resource Guide (NIST Special...
Are you familiar with the European Union (EU) regulation of GDPR? There may be some confusion over this policy and those who believe it to be the counterpart to the United States’ HIPAA regulation. While there may be some overlap, they are not the same. As a US-based business that is a covered entity or...
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