During the pandemic that created havoc, it became a worrisome subject for people to visit hospitals or clinics for regular checkups or other reasons.
Indeed, healthcare institutions were flooded with covid patients, and it seemed to be a better option to stay indoors until anyone was sure of catching the virus.
However, fortunately, mHealth or doctor applications became a ray of hope for people to efficiently connect with experts online to acquire a diagnosis.
Indeed, digitalization made it possible, and high-tech solutions like Electronic Health Records are like the icing on the cake that enables healthcare providers to manage patients’ information.
However, what’s more important is the security of the digitally stored data, and it is precisely where Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) comes into the picture!
Are you looking forward to building your own healthcare mobile app? Then this concept is vital for you to understand.
So, let’s get started.
Introduction to HIPAA Compliance
HIPAA compliance in healthcare is a process that business associates go after for the security and protection of health information. The mechanism eliminates any unauthorized access to a patients’ stored information, and favors no one without consent.
But how does one become HIPAA compliant?
Meeting HIPAA requirements amalgamates the use of accurate technology, internal processes, and external partnerships. Therefore, before jumping into the pool of specific details, here’s more about becoming a HIPAA complaint in a strategic manner:
– Apply Safeguards
Maintainance of HIPAA compliance requires robust PHI safeguards, digitally and physically. Therefore, only authorized people must be allowed to access the physical PHI storage spaces with the help of strong passwords and login.
– Development of Policies
It is significant to develop and implement robust cybersecurity policies, standards, and procedures. Therefore, having a well-documented policy is a must!
– Assessment of Risks
It is advised that every covered entity must take a follow-up of risks involved on an annual basis. Therefore, if you haven’t been doing it lately, now is the time to get started.
– Investigate Violations
Despite following regulations of the HIPAA compliant, there’s a high chance of lapses to occur, and it is essential to spot them. Therefore, if you do spot one, be prepared to regulate its root cause analysis and alter the same.
Also Read – Cloud Computing in Healthcare
The HIPAA Privacy Rules 2022
Privacy rules are applicable for all the organizations that have amalgamated the HIPAA concept, and it defines how authorized people can access PHI.
Thus, listed below is the HIPAA security rule set that needs to be put in place:
1. Interpret HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules
There are numerous privacy and security rules that you must be aware of in 2022. For example, the Department of Health and Human Forces will continue to emphasize the investigation of small breaches in order to protect PHI in the areas of mental health, psychology, and more.
Undoubtedly, healthcare is now moving online, and people are more interested in acquiring digital diagnosis. Thus, you must figure out conducting the entire process with utmost privacy.
2. Assess If the Privacy Rule Affects You
It is vital to have confirmation that the privacy rule complements your business practices or a healthcare organization.
Do not forget that a privacy rule safeguards individual PHI by administrating the practice of covered entities, including doctors, lawyers, and insurance providers.
For all those unfamiliar, covered entities include people and organizations that process PHI data for their audience.
3. Protection of the Right Kind of Patient Data
The third point in the HIPAA checklist is being informed of the types of patient data that need protection and taking accurate measures.
It includes the following kinds of patient data:
– Names and birthdates
– Contact information such as phone numbers or email address
– Social security numbers
– Digital images
– Medical record numbers
– Fingerprints and voice notes
– Any other form of identification
4. Prevention of Possible HIPAA Violations
It won’t be wrong to mention that HIPAA violations can come in any form; therefore, it is vital to understand how it may happen to take preventive measures. For instance, an internal violation is the most common and doesn’t happen due to a data breach or hack.
Take a look at some of the basic steps you may follow to protect from any potential HIPAA violations:
– Better understanding of data breaches
– Recognition of common violations
– Anticipation of a minor breach
– Advanced prep for a meaningful breach
5. Report Data Breaches
Just in case someone’s PHI is breached, HIPAA presents rules for articulating affected individuals. Notably, these mechanisms are set by the HIPAA breach notification rule.
In a Nutshell!
The fact cannot be denied that healthcare apps changed the game of the industry and presented a face that was completely unknown to patients with the help of technology.
However, it is equally important to protect patient data, and HIPAA is working in the same direction for increased security.
Need further assistance on the concept?
Well, it’s time to rope in a reliable healthcare app development company for more information!
What do you think?
