Health Records and Cybercriminals

E Commerce Times recently posted an article titled, “Why are Health Records so Valuable to Cybercriminals?” The article describes why cybercriminals like to target electronic health records (EHR) and explains how HIPAA does, and at times does not, protect EHRs. To check out the full article visit: http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/84417.html  For daily HIPPA News visit our HIPAA News sidebar … [Read more…]

Doc Vadar on Hutt Shaming

If you have not yet had the pleasure of checking out Doc Vadar, the time has arrived. Darth Vadar finished med school and has become Doc Vadar. He brings an array of HIPAA jokes in the form of “dark humor”. In this episode he discusses Jabba the Hutt’s obesity by “not violating HIPAA”, but merely “telling you a FACT”. … [Read more…]

American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Reviews Patient Data Access

According to Patient Engagement HIT, American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) recently posted data guiding patients through the appropriate process of obtaining their medical records from their providers and navigating through HIPPA privacy regulations. “Per HIPAA, patients may ask to view and obtain a copy of their health records, receive records in paper or electronic copies, … [Read more…]

Since 2009, more than 1700 HIPAA data breaches have been reported, impacting over 169 million people. Make sure your company doesn’t end up on this list.

Reported HIPAA Data Breaches Since 2009

Regardless of whether protected health information (PHI) is stored electronically or in hard copy form, by law it must be secured. Since 2009, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has published more than 1700 reports of data breaches that impacted at least 500 individuals. According to the published … [Read more…]

After 2.5 years, HHS finally finalizes modifications to HIPAA rules

Excellent and detailed write-up of the new HIPAA rules that take effect on September 23, 2013: On January 17, 2013, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) issued the highly anticipated omnibus final rule (the “Final Rule”) to modify the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) pursuant to the Health … [Read more…]

10 Affordable Health Care Act changes to be aware of for 2013

With 2013 right around the corner, you should be aware of the following 10 items for your checklist to make sure you’re ready for the Affordable Health Care Act. Effective in 2013: The following list itemizes the changes that generally will become effective in 2013.  The effective date depends upon a number of factors, including whether … [Read more…]

5 Interesting HIPAA & HITECH Rule YouTube Videos

Need a refresher of some of the differences that HITECH brought to the HIPAA landscape? Check out the videos below. Privacy & Security: The New HIPAA Rule HIPAA Privacy, Security, and the HITECH Act HITECH ACT – 2010 Changes in HIPAA Law HITECH Act and Encryption in 5 Minutes Information Security Program and HIPAA Compliance