Health Information Management

HIPAA Q&A: You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers!

HIM-HIPAA Insider, September 8, 2014

Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to HIM-HIPAA Insider!

Submit your HIPAA questions to Editor Jaclyn Fitzgerald at jfitzgerald@hcpro.com and we will work with our experts to provide you with the information you need.

 
Q: I work at a skilled nursing facility and I want to ensure that the organization is HIPAA compliant. What requirements and safeguards are necessary to ensure HIPAA compliance at our facility? Is there a document we can or should use to help us maintain compliance?
 
A: The best place to find out more about HIPAA privacy and security requirements is from OCR, which has published a wealth of information about HIPAA requirements, including guidance for small practices and health plans. OCR has also made available a sample business associate agreement and a model Notice of Privacy Practices.
 
To ensure your security program is up to date, you must conduct a risk analysis. A risk analysis is the foundation of any good security program and is mandated by the HIPAA Security Rule. A risk analysis should be conducted annually and when any major business or IT system change occurs. OCR and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology has made available a risk analysis tool. You can conduct the risk analysis yourself or find a reputable vendor to assist you.
 
Editor’s note: Chris Apgar, CISSP, president of Apgar & Associates, LLC, in Portland, Oregon, answered this question for HCPro’s Briefings on HIPAA newsletter.



Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to HIM-HIPAA Insider!

    Briefings on APCs

  • Briefings on APCs

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

  • HIM Briefings

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

  • Briefings on Coding Compliance Strategies

    Submitting improper Medicare documentation 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 Insider

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

Most Popular