Working towards HIPAA compliance especially with regard to the HIPAA Security Rule can be an overwhelming task. The HIPAA Security Rule requirements are vast, and there are so many complexities that come with the intersectionalities of the healthcare system.
Most healthcare organizations follow the Privacy Rule, but tend to struggle with fulfilling the Security Rule’s requirements. While most healthcare entities follow the Privacy Rule fairly well, many aren’t compliant in the HIPAA Security Rule.
What’s the difference between the HIPAA Privacy Rule and the HIPAA Security Rule?
Many organizations don’t realize these are separate rules that require attention. Here’s the difference:
Privacy Rule: Most organizations know this rule. It deals with patient information and keeping that information private. Organizations can’t release private data about a patient to anyone without the patient’s consent.
Security Rule: This rule may not be as familiar to organizations. It deals with keeping protected health information (PHI) secure. Stolen PHI creates a lot of difficulties for patients; things like social security numbers are much harder to replace than credit cards.
To help you prioritize your security, we’ve put together the ten mistakes that organizations make when it comes to HIPAA security compliance.
- Failure to Conduct Regular Risk Assessments: Regular risk assessments are a fundamental aspect of HIPAA compliance. Neglecting these assessments can be disastrous, as they help identify vulnerabilities and threats.
- Neglecting Employee Training: HIPAA mandates that all employees receive training on privacy and security policies. Failing to provide this training is a common error, as well as neglecting to keep employees informed about policy changes. Employee training is vital to security because employees remain one of the biggest threats to healthcare security.
- Insufficient Documentation: Proper documentation of policies and procedures is crucial for HIPAA compliance. Failing to maintain accurate records can lead to compliance issues, as well as create additional confusion and stress if there is a data breach.
- Poor Business Associate Agreements: Covered entities must establish proper agreements with business associates who handle protected health information (PHI). Failing to have robust contracts in place can expose sensitive data to risks.
- Lack of Encryption: HIPAA suggests the use of encryption to protect electronic PHI. Neglecting encryption or failing to follow encryption standards can lead to data leaks, which can make an organization susceptible to fines and penalties.
- Inadequate Physical Security: Physical security, such as securing paper records, is often overlooked. Failing to lock filing cabinets, improperly disposing of PHI, or not securing physical access to PHI can lead to security breaches.
- Outdated Policies: HIPAA regulations evolve, and policies and procedures must be updated accordingly. Failing to keep policies current with the latest standards is a common compliance error.
- Unsecured Communication: Sending patient information through unsecured channels, such as regular email instead of encrypted methods can be tempting because of its convenience. However, this can lead to data leaks and other security issues.
- Inadequate Access Controls: Controlling access to PHI is a vital aspect of compliance. Failing to implement access controls or not promptly revoking access for terminated employees can lead to a data breach.
- Ignoring Breach Notifications: HIPAA requires timely breach notifications to affected individuals. Failing to report breaches or doing so late could lead to severe penalties and fines.
Wherever your organization is with HIPAA compliance, we recommend reviewing your compliance status in these areas. If you would like to learn more about how SecurityMetrics can help you with HIPAA compliance, visit us here!
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