HIPAA Secure Now!

We've had a lot of exciting new releases and enhancements lately, so we figured we'd re-introduce ourselves! 👋 To clients new, old, & prospective: we are here for you! 🫶 💭 If you have any questions about our current services, send us a DM, drop them in the comments, or reach out on our website: https://bit.ly/3Sojz4X.

Did you know that a significant number of HIPAA violation reports and subsequent audits stem from unsatisfied patients? One of the most common reasons for their dissatisfaction? 👉 Mishandled records. By prioritizing proper records management and privacy protocols, you're not only safeguarding your practice from fines, but also fostering positive relationships with those you serve. Be sure to ask yourself the following questions to improve both regulatory compliance and patient rapport.

Let's debunk a common healthcare myth right now: you don’t need to be a tech guru or have a huge budget to protect your practice from cyber threats. With a few simple, cost-effective cybersecurity strategies, you can strengthen your defenses and keep your patient data safe—all while staying compliant with HIPAA. Especially in an OCR audit year focused so heavily on the Security Rule, taking steps towards at least a few of these strategies could save you from heavy fines and data breaches. 1. Implement Continuous, Flexible Training 🍎 Offer employees short, weekly trainings on their own schedule to promoting adoption and minimizing administrative burden. (Our new HSN Teams App does just that. 😉) 2. Conduct Simulated Phishing Campaigns 🪝 Take training to the next level by providing hands-on practice identifying phishing attempts and real-time feedback to promote a culture of accountability. 3. Implement Strong Access Controls 🔒 Require strong password policies, multi-factor authentication, and tailored permission levels. 4. Develop an Incident Response Plan 🚨 Define roles and responsibilities, document communication protocols, and perform regular tabletop exercises to stay prepared.

In an OCR audit year, it's extra important that we take a moment to reflect on all aspects of our current HIPAA compliance program. While our compliance analysts wrote these questions specifically with dentists in mind, they can be applied to most small practices. Documenting and educating staff on clear policies and procedures is key to avoiding these often overlooked privacy risks.

A friendly reminder that not only is it an Olympic year, but also an OCR audit year! Is your healthcare organization going for gold? 1. Security Risk Management: outlines what will be completed to ensure appropriate risk management. Includes SRA, responding to work plan recommendations, audit reviews, SAT, etc.   2. Incident Response Procedure: outlines what should occur when you determine you have had a breach. Includes your Security Incident Response Team & what organizations need to be notified.   3. Disaster Recovery Plan: outlines what to do after an event (breach, natural disaster, etc.), to get your organization back up and running normally. Includes 3 main parts: defining the Security Incident Response Team, defining Critical Systems, and a plan for how the SIRT is going to navigate the Critical Systems.   4. Sanction Policy: outlines the appropriate response for when an employee doesn’t adhere to a policy/procedure. This can vary from coaching to different types of warnings.   5. Termination Policy: outlines how former employees’ access will be severed upon their departure. We are rooting for you!!

Last Thursday, we published this article comparing third-party vendors to dominoes: one misstep can have a cascading effect of non-compliance, breaches, and reputational damage. On Friday, we saw that play out in real life, as the ripple effects of the CrowdStrike breach impacted top companies and millions of frustrated customers. Working with third party vendors requires clear expectations and regular communication, especially in healthcare where the stakes are high to safeguard PHI. Check out our full blog post, complete with top recommended questions to get these important discussions started: https://bit.ly/46eEq1B

Are you missing out on potential patients due to HIPAA fears? Check out our top ideas for marketing effectively and legally. CONTENT 🍎 Create valuable, educational content that doesn’t require PHI: -Your services and expertise -Educational content and health tips -Industry news and updates -Community events and staff achievements -Facility improvements SOCIAL 📱Use social platforms to build community and share general health information: -Post health tips and wellness advice -Use trending audio to create relatable reels -Avoid following or publicly responding to current or prospective patients EMAIL 📨 Develop a HIPAA-compliant email strategy: -Obtain proper consent for marketing emails -Use secure, HIPAA-compliant email platforms (with a BAA in place) -Focus on general health information and practice updates TESTIMONIALS ⭐ Leverage patient success stories: -Always obtain written authorization before using patient information or images -Consider using anonymized testimonials COMMUNITY 👨👩👧👦 Participate in local health events and initiatives: -Attend health fairs or educational seminars -Sponsor local sports teams or health-related events -Volunteer with organizations that align with your values to foster relationships -Offer free health screenings (with proper consent forms)   What's your favorite way to market your healthcare organization? 💭

The difference between HIPAA compliance and a $1.5 million fine? It could be as small as an email address. These 18 identifiers are the key pieces of the patient privacy puzzle. Each one, from plain old names to complex device numbers, could be the weak link that compromises confidentiality if not handled correctly. Protecting these identifiers isn't just about dodging fines (though that $1.5 million sure would sting). It's about keeping the trust your patients place in you. And let's be honest, in healthcare, trust is everything. Which PHI identifier(s) do you find most challenging to secure?

As many healthcare providers emphasize to their patients: simply changing your mindset can have huge ripple effects into your daily life and routines. What if instead of treating this HIPAA audit season like an intimidating obligation, you reimagined it as an opportunity for growth and improvement? 🤔 The OCR's latest guidance highlights three key areas: Security Risk Assessments, Actionable Work Plans, and Documented Risk Management Policies. Let's reframe these as catalysts for positive change: ✅ SRAs often uncover inefficiencies in your workflows ✅ Work plans can drive strategic tech investments ✅ Risk management policies frequently improve staff productivity By embracing these elements, forward-thinking practices are: • Streamlining operations • Enhancing patient experiences • Positioning themselves as industry leaders Remember, compliance isn't just about avoiding penalties—it's about creating a healthier, more efficient practice that better serves your patients and staff. What unexpected benefits has your compliance journey revealed?

Owning a healthcare business is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to HIPAA compliance. Whether you're just starting out, know someone who is, or just need a refresher for this important audit year, our 6-month HIPAA compliance plan will guide you through the process, step by step. Now is the month to start if you'd like to have all of your boxes checked off in 2024. 🤩 Month 1: Appoint a Privacy and Security Officer Month 2: Conduct a Comprehensive Risk Assessment Month 3: Develop and Implement HIPAA-Compliant Policies and Procedures Month 4: Set deadline for annual employee training Month 5: Implement Technical Safeguards and Security Measures Month 6: Document progress towards action items For a full breakdown of each month's tasks, check out this week's blog: https://lnkd.in/etz5D29a