Health Information Management

HIPAA myths and misconceptions

HIM-HIPAA Insider, June 23, 2014

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Myth: Security is an IT function

 
Security involves safeguarding electronic information in various ways and by various means, including policies, processes, education, designation of security officers and managers, and dedicating staff and monetary resources to providing technical tools and physical safeguards to protect systems. The Security Rule includes only two standards related to technical security—access controls and audit controls. Most Security Rule standards address administrative safeguards. The rule also includes several physical safeguard and documentation requirements.
 
IT professionals generally do not receive information security training. Information security is a distinct profession with specific bodies of knowledge and content that address all aspects of protecting an organization’s information assets. Many information security officers (ISO) do not report to IT. A conflict of interest may exist if an ISO reports to a chief information officer or other individual in an IT department.
 
Security and IT budgets should be separate. This requires an ISO to develop a security budget, justify proposed expenditures, and develop and communicate metrics to demonstrate the program’s success and activities.
 
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared on HCPro’s HIPAA Update blog and was adapted from The Complete Guide to Healthcare Privacy and Information Security Governance by Phyllis A. Patrick, MBA, FACHE, CHC.Click here to learn more about the book, published by HCPro, a division of BLR.
 
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