On the same day new HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule requirements took effect “including new breach notification standards, revised Notices of Privacy Practices, and the expansion of business associate liability“, the head of the agency charged with HIPAA enforcement promised increased activity in compliance enforcement.
Speaking at a national conference on September 23, Director of the Health & Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) Leon Rodriguez stated assertive and credible enforcement is essential to obtain industry compliance with the rules. With what he described as new rules of the road that are understandable and consistent now in place, OCR seems poised to use enforcement activity to incentivize greater compliance efforts by providers and their business associates.
Similarly, Joy Pritts, Chief Privacy Officer for the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, was quoted in an interview with HealthIT Security as saying that privacy and security should not be seen as a barrier and because we have to, instead they should be seen as good for business and for patients.
Now is the time for healthcare providers and their business associates to assess current HIPAA compliance efforts and make appropriate modifications to meet the now-effective Omnibus rules and to address potential enforcement risk areas. Also, if HIPAA training for staff is a distant memory in your organization, it is time to renew and refresh your workforce’s HIPAA awareness.
PYA offers expert and accessible HIPAA consulting services (including self-audits and staff training) and comprehensive HIPAA manuals that can help to ensure that you are not only in compliance, but that you also are effectively incorporating HIPAA policies and procedures into your current operations.
For more information, contact the experts listed below at PYA, (800) 270-9629.
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