Back in 2018 Anthem paid a HIPAA compliance fine of a staggering $16-million setting a new bar for the highest ever non-compliance fine.
With new regulations added to the HIPAA regulations this year and fines for non-compliance continuing to rise there has never been so much significance on making sure you follow HIPAA to the letter.
But what are the HIPAA compliance requirements and how does HIPAA compliance affect your business?
In this article we’ll discuss four things that you need to know about HIPAA compliance for data storage.
What is HIPAA Compliance?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets out the standard for protecting sensitive patient data. Any company that deals with protected health information (PHI) is obliged to have measures in place to ensure that it follows HIPAA compliance.
The types of organizations covered by HIPAA guidelines include any that have access to patient information and provides support for treatment or payment.
1. HIPAA Compliance Is Mandatory
Unlike with the Meaningful Use incentive program all organizations that come into contact with any PHI have to introduce measures to ensure they comply with HIPAA. This is a legal requirement.
There are several regulations under HIPAA that healthcare organizations need to adhere to. These include the HIPAA Privacy Rule the HIPAA Security Rule and the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule.
2. HIPAA Compliance Won’t Break the Bank
If you are concerned that HIPAA compliance will cost the earth don’t be. The costs involved in ensuring that you have a safe and secure messaging system and conducting risk assessments and training are less than you may think.
Naturally the cost of HIPAA compliance is going to vary depending on the size and nature of the organization in question. However the Department of Health and Human Services has released a Security Risk Assessment Tool. This is designed to eliminate much of the cost of outsourcing.
It is also suggested that the training of employees to use your secure messaging system is integrated into regular training sessions so that they are not a drain on your finances.
3. You Will Face Fines for Non-Compliance
Although the non-compliance for telehealth penalties have been waived in 2021 there have been increases in the other penalties for violations.
Penalties are adjusted in line with inflation each year to ensure their effectiveness in deterring non-compliance.
For 2021 the maximum penalty for a violation of a particular HIPAA regulation has increased to $59522 with an annual cap of $1785651.
4. HIPAA Compliance Won’t Reduce Workplace Efficiency
It is a myth that bringing in measures to ensure HIPAA compliance will reduce efficiency. The speed and the convenience of mobile communication can easily be maintained. In fact it can be enhanced with secure systems of communication.
Healthcare organizations are able to retain their ‘bring your own device’ policies if they have been revised to cover usage by staff of the secure messaging system.
Get Compliant With Alura
If you need assistance with your HIPAA compliance you may wish to enlist the assistance of a third-party organization. Alura is here to help to ensure you are compliant.
Get in touch today to learn more about the HIPAA compliance services that we offer.
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