Health Information Management

GAO: HHS lacks strong security program

HIPAA Weekly Advisor, September 25, 2006

Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to HIPAA Weekly Advisor!

HHS has significant weaknesses in controls designed to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its sensitive information and systems, according to a report issued by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

Information Security: Department of Health and Human Services Needs to Fully Implement Its Program criticizes the department for failing to implement a department-wide information security program. This has led to an increased risk that unauthorized individuals will gain access to HHS' information, according to the GAO.

Specifically, the GAO points out that HHS has neglected to establish all the necessary elements of

  • risk assessments
  • policies and procedures
  • security awareness and training
  • incident handling
  • plans for operations continuity

Click here to read the GAO report.



Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to HIPAA Weekly Advisor!

  • Briefings on APCs

    Worried about the complexities of the new rules under OPPS and APCs? Briefings on APCs helps you understand the new rules...

  • Medical Records Briefing

    Guiding Health Information Management professionals through the continuously changing field of medical records and toward a...

  • Briefings on Coding Compliance Strategies

    Submitting improper Medicare documentaion can lead to denial of fees, payback, fines, and increased diligence from payers...

  • Briefings on HIPAA

    How can you minimize the impact of HIPAA? Subscribe to Briefings on HIPAA, your health information management resource for...

  • APCs Weekly Monitor

    This HTML-based e-mail newsletter provides weekly tips and advice on the new ambulatory payment classifications regulations...

Most Popular

Related Articles