
In 2003, lawmakers broadened the law to include the Privacy Rule. Connecting HIPAA to the world of document destruction and data breaches, there are five steps of the new Privacy Law that helps educate those in charge of sensitive files. The five steps include:
- Put someone in charge.
- Keep Protected Health Information (PHI) secure and private.
- Set up an office policy, implementation procedures and training for staff
- Inform patients of their rights and support those rights
- Limit access of patient information to businesses outside the practice
What does this mean for companies currently in 2015 and beyond? It means that non-compliance with the laws and regulations of HIPAA may lead to data/information breaches and the possible exposure of patient information.
Since hospitals, insurance companies, and others working with PHI, may use tangible documents, a digital document database, or a combination of both, it is important for all bases to be covered. That’s where R4 Services can help. For companies that are required to comply with HIPAA regulations, R4 Services can assist with:
- Keeping files and charts locked up when not in use.
- Shredding paper with sensitive information. Do not throw it away or recycle it.
- Keeping digital files secure in a database and accessible through protected intranet.
Have questions about how R4 Services can help you comply with HIPAA regulations? Contact our team of experts here.
Sources: http://library.ahima.org/xpedio/groups/public/documents/ahima/bok1_050149.hcsp?dDocName=bok1_050149
http://thepracticesolution.net/2005/05/05/five-steps-hipaa-privacy-rule-compliance/
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10-things/10-boring-but-really-important-things-you-should-know-about-hipaa-compliance