HIPAA

The need for data security has increased with the advancements in technology and the use and sharing of electronic patient data. Electronic methods provide increased efficiency and delivery speed. However, e-PHI increases the security risks facing healthcare data today. High-quality care requires providers to meet this new demand for high speed data transfers while complying with HIPAA standards. 

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets the standard for sensitive patient data protection. Companies that deal with protected health information (PHI) must have physical, network, and process security measures in place and follow them to ensure HIPAA Compliance. Covered entities (anyone providing treatment, payment, and operations in healthcare) and business associates (anyone who has access to patient information and provides support in treatment, payment, or operations) must meet HIPAA Compliance. Other entities, such as subcontractors and any other related business associates must also be in compliance. 

These guidelines are in place to protect the privacy of individuals’ health information. Keeping up with such guidelines will allow providers to utilize new technologies in order to improve the quality of care. The rules are designed to have the flexibility to allow providers to implement policies and procedures that best suit the size, type, and structure of their organization with minimum risk to exposing PHI. Best most effective data protection plans protect all transferable data including, emails, documents, scans, and postal mail while sharing the data securely to all relevant parties to ensure the best possible care of the individual being treated. An individuals’ privacy is of the utmost importance. It is the responsibility of the provider to instill that trust and maintain protection of health information.  

Provides That Implement a Data Protection Plan:

• Ensure Security of PHI

• Meet HIPAA Regulations

• Maintain Control of Sensitive Data