As part of HIPAA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights (OCR) developed a set of protocols for auditing HIPAA-covered entities. These protocols aim to assess the processes, controls, and policies related to privacy, security, and breach notification.
The OCR published HIPAA audit protocols in March 2013, comprising 169 modules that thoroughly analyze various aspects of privacy, security, and breach notification. Each HIPAA-covered entity may not be subject to all modules; the assessment areas depend on the nature of the entity's business. The key areas targeted by the protocols for auditing HIPAA-covered entities are:
The HIPAA Privacy Rule protects patients' rights and personal health information. It covers several elements, including:
The HIPAA Security Rule outlines requirements for administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect PHI. The three safeguards encompass a wide range of measures, including:
The HIPAA Breach Notification Rule specifies how covered entities should handle breaches of PHI. It outlines the steps to determine if a breach has occurred when to report it to the OCR, who else to notify and the necessary actions to take in the event of a breach by a business associate.
Given the increasing use of personal mobile devices in healthcare settings, the protocols for auditing HIPAA-covered entities have been updated to address the associated risks. Research indicates that over 80% of physicians use personal mobile devices to access or communicate PHI. Consequently, the loss or theft of such devices has become a leading cause of patient data breaches.
Read also: Understanding and implementing HIPAA rules
Remember, HIPAA compliance is not just a legal requirement. It's also essential for building trust with your patients. When patients trust their PHI is safeguarded, they are more likely to feel comfortable sharing their information with you and seeking treatment when needed. So, take the time to audit your HIPAA compliance and protect your patient's PHI.
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Conducting a HIPAA compliance audit of your practice is a great way to assess compliance with current regulations and identify areas needing improvement and avoid a dreaded breach and the associated penalties of an OCR compliance assessment.
HIPAA-covered entities must comply with protocols audited by the OCR. In the latest assessments, many entities failed due to a lack of awareness. To avoid penalties, healthcare organizations should familiarize themselves with HIPAA audit protocols on the OCR website. Implement measures to safeguard PHI to pass OCR compliance assessments.
See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide