HIPAA Compliance
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HIPAA Compliance Audits
By the end of 2012, 115 medical organizations are slated for HIPAA compliance audits. These initial audits will shape the future auditing strategies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Susan McAndrew, OCR’s deputy director, indicated that all healthcare entities scheduled for audits in 2012 were duly notified.
McAndrew, speaking on behalf of OCR, affirmed, “We are committed to continuing the audit program and actively engaged in looking at alternative for moving this initiative forward. We have already seen the very positive impact the audit program has had on compliance efforts even as a pilot program and we want to build on the momentum that this effort has begun.”
McAndrew, speaking on behalf of OCR, affirmed, “We are committed to continuing the audit program and actively engaged in looking at alternative for moving this initiative forward. We have already seen the very positive impact the audit program has had on compliance efforts even as a pilot program and we want to build on the momentum that this effort has begun.”
Future HIPAA Compliance
Future of HIPAA Conformance
It appears unlikely that any HIPAA compliance audits will be conducted in 2013. Susan McAndrew suggested that the program cannot move forward until all final reports are issued and OCR completes the lengthy process of evaluating results.
Former OCR official Adam Greene noted that the analysis process is highly time-consuming. Additionally, he highlighted that implementing any changes resulting from the HIPAA audit program will also require significant time and effort.
Former OCR official Adam Greene noted that the analysis process is highly time-consuming. Additionally, he highlighted that implementing any changes resulting from the HIPAA audit program will also require significant time and effort.
Care Team Expansion
Getting Ready For A HIPAA Audit
This may be welcomed news for healthcare groups not currently under audit. The HIPAA audit, mandated by the HITECH Act, aims to assess compliance with HIPAA security, privacy, and breach notification regulations.
If your medical organization has not yet been audited by OCR, here are some helpful tips to prepare:
- Regularly assess the status of your company's HIPAA compliance efforts. Evaluate all security and privacy standards thoroughly. Ensure documentation of policies and procedures is well-organized and easily retrievable.
- Ensure that your notice of privacy practices is regularly updated. Incorporate new policy information into standard communications with patients.
- Retain and organize all HIPAA-related documents to provide evidence of compliance efforts during an audit. Record and document all staff training on HIPAA regulations.
- Identify and maintain a record of all business associates. Document any privacy agreements and training conducted with them, as this process can be more complex than anticipated.
- Designate a dedicated team responsible for responding to a HIPAA audit notice. Ensure this team is prepared to locate and organize necessary documentation within the required 15-day timeframe. Having a well-prepared group of briefed professionals in place will streamline the process when the audit event occurs.
- Regularly visit the HIPAA audit protocol website as protocols have changed this year and may change again before your audit. With frequent updates, ensure nothing slips through the cracks. Discover why our EMR software provides reliable support.
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