If you are a non-profit hospital or healthcare provider, don’t be misguided in thinking that your Organization is exempt from regulations set forth in the HIPAA Act of 1996. A key component of HIPAA compliance is using encryption to secure Email, large files and removable media that’s used to store or share patient information with clients, partners,...
Read MoreLeon Rodriguez, Director for the Office Of Civil Rights is sending out a strong message to both private and public Covered Entities of all sizes – comply with privacy and security policies set forth by HIPAA/HITECH rules or you could face substantial financial penalties. It was recently announced that Alaska DHSS (Department of Health and Social Services) has...
Read MoreLaptop computers have become an important tool of many healthcare professionals worldwide because of their portability, ease of use and the move towards “paperless” records becoming more of a standard. While laptops are a convenient way to store patient records, keep notes and communicate with business associates and colleagues via Email, these devices...
Read MoreAs we’ve spoken about before, HIPAA audits are underway in 2012, which is causing some healthcare IT departments concern. According to Govinfosecurity.com in an interview with HIPAA lead enforcer Leon Rodriguez, there will be less than 150 audits performed this year. Currently, there are 20 audits being conducted which are being used to...
Read MoreAs predicted, the litigation surrounding HIPAA/HITECH is heating up. This time, a business associate has been sued by the Attorney General’s office of Minnesota. The story is very typical. The business associate left an unencrypted laptop in a rental car. The laptop, which was loaded up with PHI, was stolen, endangering all data. Along with the loss of...
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