HIPAA Compliance Blog

On May 23, 2018, Boys Town National Research Hospital in Omaha, NE, "internationally recognized as a leader in clinical and research programs focusing on childhood deafness, visual impairment and related communication disorders” uncovered a data security breach.

It’s no secret that Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) violations cost businesses money – and their reputation – when they’re found to be non-compliant. The guidelines of HIPAA provide strict standards for the electronic exchange of health information for covered entities and business associates.

Technology sometimes changes faster than regulations can keep up. Laws and incentives that are part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) were designed to encourage the adoption of electronic health records to replace paper and streamline communications.

As a doctor, you have your hands full just taking care of your many patients, running a practice, and providing quality healthcare service. The last thing you need to worry about is whether your practice is being managed properly when it comes to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance.

Recently, Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights Director Roger Severino signaled an end to the latest wave of HIPAA audits – but “no slowdown in our enforcement efforts.”