Many healthcare workers have questions about how to become HIPAA compliant. Healthcare workers are often baffled by HIPAA compliance because they are worded in a manner that is difficult to understand. HIPAA regulations and how to establish an effective compliance program are explained here to give recommendations on how to become HIPAA compliant.

How to Follow HIPAA in 7 Easy Steps

What are the necessary steps for healthcare businesses to follow to comply with HIPAA?

1. Establishing The Organization's Guidelines Regarding Privacy and Safety 

More than merely adhering to the HIPAA Security and Privacy Rules are required to become HIPAA compliant. Covered companies and business partners must demonstrate that they have taken steps to avoid HIPAA breaches, such as by putting in place security and privacy policies. These rules must be written, communicated to employees, and continuously updated. Employees are required to demonstrate, in writing, that they are familiar with all HIPAA rules and procedures, and they must get training on HIPAA regulations during their first orientation as well as at least once a year. Most people are using HIPAA compliance software, such as Compliancy Group, for this purpose.

2. Appoint A HIPAA Security and Privacy Officer

This person should be in charge of developing a HIPAA compliance program and putting it into action. The security officer (or officers in some larger organizations) should be trained in privacy and security and have the power and resources to act on what they learn.

3. Implement Safety Measures

Employee expectations should be laid forth in the company's policies and procedures. If a patient wants a change to their medical record, if a breach occurs, or if their unique user ID & password need to be protected, employees should have access to clear and understandable instructions. Government auditors say that having a policy and also not following it is worse than not having one.

4. Consistently, Do Risk Assessments as well as Self-Audits

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to HIPAA compliance. To discover compliance gaps, HHS mandates that all administrative, technological, and physical protections be audited regularly (at the very least annually). The next step is for organizations to prepare written remediation plans outlining how and when they intend to correct HIPAA issues.

5. Keep Business Associate Agreements Updated

Before covered entities can share protected health information (PHI) with business associates, they are required to obtain 'satisfactory assurances that the business associate is in compliance with HIPAA and can safeguard the data effectively. In addition, the parties are required to enter into a business associate agreement (BAA). All BAAs must be evaluated yearly and amended to reflect relationship changes.

6. Create A Breach-Notification Protocol

Suppose an organization can establish that the breach was accidental and that it had done everything possible to avoid it. In that case, it may not be held liable for a HIPAA violation. In the long run, neglecting to notify a breach makes things worse.

7. Document Everything

All HIPAA compliance initiatives, including developing privacy and security policies, conducting risk assessments and self-audits, developing remedial plans, and holding staff training sessions, must be documented by organizations. During HIPAA audits and complaints investigations, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) will analyze this material.

Conclusion

Healthcare organizations need to be HIPAA compliant to preserve patient privacy as well as their financial well-being. Healthcare providers require HIPAA-compliant technology partners to keep data secure. The best company to rely upon is Compliancy Group.