Why HIPAA Risk Assessments Are Important
Per the Privacy and Security rules, covered entities are responsible for safeguarding Protected Health Information (PHI) from improper use, disclosure or destruction by developing appropriate security measures. CSI’s HIPAA compliance audit services can help you meet these HIPAA regulations:
- Privacy Rule: Identifies which patient information is to be protected, including such data that identifies or could identify the patient as his/her name, address, date of birth or social security number
- Security Rule: Protects PHI that is created, received, maintained or transmitted electronically (e-PHI)
HIPAA compliance requirements apply to all healthcare providers, health plans and health clearinghouses, as well as those entities that interact with them by exchanging PHI. They must regularly review their security measures to adjust to new and emerging threats to the privacy and security of patient information.
HITECH Act
The Privacy and Security rules are augmented by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act. This act promotes the adoption of health information technology and requires all parties covered by HIPAA to report data breaches. HIPAA breach notifications and an accountability of disclosures must be made if a breach of unsecured PHI occurs.
Meet Federal Requirements with a HIPAA Risk Assessment
Can your business pass a HIPAA compliance test? Although private individuals don’t have a course of action to sue in the event of a HIPAA violation, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights can impose penalties up to $1.5 million for the most extreme violations. CSI offers a variety of HIPAA security risk assessments to help you meet HIPAA compliance requirements.
