What is the key to hipaa compliance

Table of Contents Show

Which Entity Enforces HIPAA?
What Strategies Are Used to Prevent HIPAA Privacy Violations?
How Much Does HIPAA Compliance Cost?
How Long is HIPAA Certification Good For?
Consult a HIPAA Attorney- California
What are 3 key elements of HIPAA?
What is the key to success for HIPAA compliance apathy?
What are the 5 key elements of HIPAA?
How do you ensure HIPAA compliance?

Medical conditions are not typically something patients feel comfortable promoting for obvious privacy reasons. Because of this, patient information is legally kept confidential and protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

While HIPAA is simply on paper, there are a lot of considerations that go into implementing HIPAA compliance for small practices and larger entities. Practitioners and administrative staff must make sure they are following proper protocol on a technical, physical, and administrative level. Like all compliance issues, it is always best to consult a HIPAA law attorney to make sure you are legally protected.

Which Entity Enforces HIPAA?

HIPAA is enforced by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR). The OCR is responsible for following through with complaints of HIPAA violations.

Audits are also randomly selected by the OCR to ensure that all practices are thoroughly following the standard protocol. Prior to the selection, a screening questionnaire will be sent out to gain understanding of the practice’s size and structure. Note, failure to complete the screening may still result in selection. After the businesses have been selected, the OCR will conduct a desk and onsite audit.

The OCR process is put in place to protect civilians as well as the integrity of the healthcare industry. Those practicing medicine should lean on the department as an additional resource and reference their official citations when in doubt. A HIPAA law attorney will work with you throughout the audit process to verify compliance, and to provide legal advice.

What Strategies Are Used to Prevent HIPAA Privacy Violations?

Each practice functions differently, meaning there is not just one approach to HIPAA compliance. The best practices to preventing HIPAA privacy violations include careful storing of information and ensuring there are procedures in place for all scenarios, including unpreventable security breaches. Some overarching key strategies for preventing HIPAA violations are:

Implementing regular required training for employees
Establishing standard procedures for every situation
Staying up to date with software updates and security systems
Assigning administrators who will serve as the lead for HIPAA situations and questions pertaining to it

There are many simple procedures that can help ensure patient confidentiality. HIPAA should be taken seriously by all practices and be a priority at all times.

How Much Does HIPAA Compliance Cost?

HIPAA compliance can cost a couple thousand dollars annually, but varies depending on numerous factors including a companies software package or training programs. However, this price tag includes secure and updated software, which is widely useful beyond the compliance.

It is suggested that companies examine multiple plans and select the package in their price range that best fits their HIPAA needs. The money invested into compliance programs, alleviates the larger sum at risk in a HIPAA violation lawsuit.

How Long is HIPAA Certification Good For?

Legally there is no requirement to have a HIPAA seal of compliance or certification, though practices should be continuously monitoring their security procedures. Those who choose to partake in a HIPAA training program typically retrain for certification after a few years as the industry’s best practices are always changing. Again, a HIPAA law attorney can guide you in implementing new changes or protocols as technology and procedures change.

Consult a HIPAA Attorney- California

In addition to following HIPAA, California medical practices must also be aware of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) which further protects personal information.

As one of the nation’s leading healthcare law firms, Fenton Law Group understands the needs and concerns of various medical practices from hospitals to family practitioner offices, and everything in between. Our attorneys have extensive knowledge on CCPA and HIPAA compliance for small practices and other medical facilities. Contact us online or call us today to discuss how your practice can better comply with privacy laws.

What are 3 key elements of HIPAA?

The three components of HIPAA security rule compliance. Keeping patient data safe requires healthcare organizations to exercise best practices in three areas: administrative, physical security, and technical security.

What is the key to success for HIPAA compliance apathy?

A key to successful HIPAA compliance is to manage your third-party business associates. Or, if you are a business associate, you must manage any subcontractor business associates you use.

What are the 5 key elements of HIPAA?

HHS initiated 5 rules to enforce Administrative Simplification: (1) Privacy Rule, (2) Transactions and Code Sets Rule, (3) Security Rule, (4) Unique Identifiers Rule, and (5) Enforcement Rule.

How do you ensure HIPAA compliance?

Steps to Implement a HIPAA Compliance Plan.

Review and document workplace operations for potential risks/vulnerabilities..

Check all computers, mobile devices, paper records and storage of records, and additional security measures to ensure that all PHI is being stored, used, and distributed appropriately and securely..