What is the HIPAA Privacy Rule and why does it affect IT professionals?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a federal law that required the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued the HIPAA Privacy Rule to implement the requirements of HIPAA. The HIPAA Security Rule protects a subset of information covered by the Privacy Rule. Show
HIPAA Privacy RuleThe Privacy Rule standards address the use and disclosure of individuals’ health information (known as protected health information or PHI) by entities subject to the Privacy Rule. These individuals and organizations are called “covered entities.” The Privacy Rule also contains standards for individuals’ rights to understand and control how their health information is used. A major goal of the Privacy Rule is to make sure that individuals’ health information is properly protected while allowing the flow of health information needed to provide and promote high-quality healthcare, and to protect the public’s health and well-being. The Privacy Rule permits important uses of information while protecting the privacy of people who seek care and healing. Covered EntitiesThe following types of individuals and organizations are subject to the Privacy Rule and considered covered entities:
Exception: A group health plan with fewer than 50 participants that is administered solely by the employer that established and maintains the plan is not a covered entity.
Permitted Uses and DisclosuresThe law permits, but does not require, a covered entity to use and disclose PHI, without an individual’s authorization, for the following purposes or situations:
HIPAA Security RuleWhile the HIPAA Privacy Rule safeguards PHI, the Security Rule protects a subset of information covered by the Privacy Rule. This subset is all individually identifiable health information a covered entity creates, receives, maintains, or transmits in electronic form. This information is called electronic protected health information, or e-PHI. The Security Rule does not apply to PHI transmitted orally or in writing. To comply with the HIPAA Security Rule, all covered entities must:
Covered entities should rely on professional ethics and best judgment when considering requests for these permissive uses and disclosures. The HHS Office for Civil Rights enforces HIPAA rules, and all complaints should be reported to that office. HIPAA violations may result in civil monetary or criminal penalties. For more information, visit HHS’s HIPAA website. What are some of the challenges involved in implementing Hipaa privacy?Top Challenges to HIPAA Compliance. 1.Cybersecurity Challenges. Hackers are always ready to hack your data. ... . 2.Technical Challenges In HIPAA Compliance. Technical challenges are one of the most crucial ones in HIPAA compliance. ... . 3.Device Security. ... . 4.Risk Analysis Challenges. ... . Conclusion.. What are the 5 most common violations to the Hipaa privacy Rule?Lack of safeguards of protected health information. Lack of patient access to their protected health information. Lack of administrative safeguards of electronic protected health information. Use or disclosure of more than the minimum necessary protected health information.
What is covered under the Hipaa privacy Rule?The Privacy Rule protects all "individually identifiable health information" held or transmitted by a covered entity or its business associate, in any form or media, whether electronic, paper, or oral.
What is the purpose of the Hipaa privacy Rule?HIPAA Privacy Rule
A major goal of the Privacy Rule is to make sure that individuals' health information is properly protected while allowing the flow of health information needed to provide and promote high-quality healthcare, and to protect the public's health and well-being.
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