Throughout the past few years, we have seen a considerable increase in the healthcare system’s modernization and the cutting-edge technology that supports it. As a result, protecting Protected Health Information (PHI) has become increasingly important. It includes names, contact numbers, addresses, social security numbers, etc.
1. HIPAA Non-Compliance Basics
An organization dealing with PHI must enforce policies and procedures to remain HIPAA compliant. HIPAA violations typically occur when policies and procedures cannot be properly enacted and enforced, even if no unauthorized persons have accessed or disclosed what does PHI stands for.
The lack of proper risk analysis can result in HIPAA violations. Lack of employee training, inappropriate PHI disclosures, and failure to report breaches within the prescribed timeframe can also cause HIPAA non-compliance.
2. Consult a professional
Staying compliant can be challenging without the help of someone who understands HIPAA’s rules. A compliance expert and a certified engineer are typically part of an independent and unbiased auditing team. With this approach, you can get legal advice, audit assistance, and security and privacy guidance regarding PHI.
In the initial risk analysis, your IT department can get help from an IT auditor specializing in healthcare compliance. You will also be able to establish several other aspects of IT compliance, such as policies and procedures, with the auditor.
3. Regularly scan and test for vulnerabilities
You can uncover any critical issues with vulnerability scans. Data and network security are properly assessed through these scans. Therefore, it becomes essential for any organization to have its compliance experts and auditors conduct tests monthly or quarterly. Remediation strategies for internal, external, and web applications should also be documented.
4. Comply with compliance requirements for remote workplaces
Due to the shift to remote work, compliance and operations have become more challenging. A secure remote workspace for the staff is the only way to combat such attacks in healthcare practices since they are a target for hackers.
It is best to enforce VPNs across all available devices and ensure that all the latest software patches are installed. In addition, security teams must be capable of detecting any attacks, improving incident response methods, and reviewing logs.
5. Training in cybersecurity awareness is also important.
Training on HIPAA security awareness may prevent violations for employees. Staff members need to be trained on cybersecurity topics. Passwords should be strong, phishing scams should be identified, a potential breach should be handled promptly, and physical security measures should be observed properly. Organizations should conduct training modules using real-life scenarios that are interactive, engaging, and current.
6. Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) need to be reviewed
An effective and proper BAA should address data protection, access it, and provide services. Whenever necessary, the BAAs should be reviewed with the customer or client by the healthcare organization.
The HIPAA rules significantly increase the exposure to penalties for any entity. HIPAA compliance must be a top priority for an organization.
7. HIPAA Compliance Requires Data Encryption
Most PHI breaches occur due to lost or stolen mobile devices, as they contain unencrypted data. The PHI can be encrypted to prevent all of these breaches. Even though encryption isn’t a requirement of the HIPAA regulations in every situation, it is always advisable to thoroughly evaluate and address this security measure.
If data encryption is not properly implemented, there are suitable alternatives available. A thief cannot use encrypted data if it is encrypted, whether it is stored or transmitted. When patient data is exposed due to the loss of an encrypted device, HIPAA compliance is not violated.