Systemic noncompliance is a repeating pattern of organization operations violations, including inadequate risk analysis, insufficient security measures, and a failure to respond to ePHI security changes. It is an ongoing and widespread issue.
Systemic noncompliance could involve recurring violations or lack of consistency in processes, policies, and security measures mandated by each rule.
Systematic noncompliance with HIPAA Privacy Rule can involve:
HIPAA Security Rule requires implementation and maintenance of necessary safeguards to protect ePHI. Noncompliance can be identified through a lack of risk analyses, inadequate security measures, deficiencies in monitoring system activities, or non-adherence to related policies and procedures.
Within the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule, systemic noncompliance might be seen in a recurring failure to identify, assess, and report breaches of PHI or ePHI. This could include multiple instances of delayed or improper notification to affected individuals or entities, a pattern of insufficiently addressing breaches, or consistent inadequacies in maintaining the required documentation related to breach incidents.
See also: Understanding HIPAA violations and breaches
Start by conducting thorough risk assessments and audits across the organization. Identify vulnerabilities, gaps, and noncompliance areas within the HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules framework. This involves examining policies, procedures, technical safeguards, and staff training.
Develop a detailed corrective action plan that addresses the identified areas of noncompliance, focusing on implementing necessary security measures, policies, and procedures to rectify deficiencies. It should cover areas such as risk management, regular review of security activities, and system adjustments in response to changes affecting the security of health information.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement. Encourage feedback, internal audits, and regular reassessment of compliance efforts to ensure that systems evolve to meet the changing landscape of healthcare regulations and technology.
Utilize HIPAA compliant emails designed to meet HIPAA compliance standards for handling, storing, and transmitting sensitive health information. This creates a convenient and efficient way of managing compliance within healthcare organizations.
See also: How to be HIPAA compliant without worrying about HIPAA compliance