By Art Gross – Back in the day, physical safeguards were all we had to protect patient files. In today’s world where most information is stored digitally, a filing cabinet and key can no longer do the trick. The utilization of data encryption stands as one of the most fundamental and effective methods to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive patient information.
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By Matt Fisher – Maintaining and protecting privacy for patients and healthcare information is important and necessary at all times. The requirement for keeping privacy applies no matter the circumstances, which can mean in the middle of a pandemic. The most recent HIPAA settlement announced by the Office for Civil Rights provides that reminder.
By Art Gross – In the fast-paced world of healthcare, safeguarding patient privacy remains paramount. Yet, despite the diligence exercised in patient care, one area where vulnerabilities persist is record disposal. From the cluttered file rooms to the maze of electronic data, mistakes are made that can jeopardize sensitive patient information.
By Art Gross – In response to the growing use of online tracking technologies in healthcare, the HHS Office for Civil Rights and the Federal Trade Commission have issued a joint warning to hospital systems and telehealth providers about the potential threats these tracking technologies pose to patient data security.
By Michael Armstrong – From patient communication to cancer detection, artificial intelligence’s role across healthcare is becoming increasingly more prominent. Although its implementation increases the effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare, AI also raises patient privacy concerns.
The AMA has submitted comprehensive comments to the ONC in response to the sweeping set of proposed changes to health IT certification & implementation of the 21st Century Cures Act & to CMS in response to its proposal on patient access and interoperability.
By Moira Schieke – The ancient Greek father of medicine, Hippocrates, knew that trust was a fundamental tenet for the effective practice of medicine. How can a patient seek the care of a stranger without the establishment of a fiduciary trust?
By Tom Toperczer – Criminal attacks are the leading cause of PHI reaches, according to a Ponemon Institute study. Breaches cost the healthcare industry $6.2B in 2016, while HIPAA Security and Privacy rule violation penalties for providers range from $50,000 per breach incident up to $1.5M.
By Frank Fortner – As I write this, the new administration is a little more than two weeks into its term, and many are rightly wondering what the impact will be across the industry as new leaders in key policymaking positions are taking aim at the ACA.