Monday, May 16, 2016

Staying HIPAA Compliant While Utilizing Health Information Encryption

Health data encryption can be an important tool for healthcare organizations, as long as they make sure that they are staying HIPAA compliant in the process.

Many persons may be surprised to learn that HIPAA laws do not need any specific type of health data encryption.

However, regulatory updates since the Security Rule’s enactment have shown how critical HHS thinks encryption is, and for great reason.

Concentra Health was fined $1,725,220 to settle HIPAA Privacy violations which occurred after an unencrypted laptop was stolen from one its offices. That’s just one instance, but there are many more.

The fact is, the likelihood of your agency experiencing a breach is greatly reduced by the implementation of an effective encryption regimen. Being prepared will help eliminate the possibility that common occurrences, such as stolen equipment, lead to embarrassing breaches that ruin your business and reputation, as well as charge big money in potential fines.

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