HIPAA demystified: Five myths and realities

Although numerous privacy and security laws apply to healthcare entities, HIPAA rules and requirements tend to receive the most emphasis?and generate the most angst. The terms HIPAA-compliant vendor, HIPAA cop, and HIPAA disciplinary action are anathema to experienced and serious privacy and information security professionals. HIPAA, as has been noted, represents the floor of requirements intended to protect the privacy and security of patient information. More stringent privacy requirements have existed at the state and national levels for several years before the HIPAA Privacy Rule was implemented (e.g., state medical records laws and requirements). Notably, many organizations implement policies and procedures that are more stringent than that required by HIPAA. Some of this is due to misinformation or misunderstanding of the HIPAA rules.

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