Q: What are the encryption requirements when using Google Drive™, Dropbox®, or other information-storing applications? How do we ensure HIPAA compliance when using them?
In the weeks leading up to his departure from office, former President Donald Trump signed H.R. 7898 into law, amending the HITECH Act to require the Health and Human Services secretary to consider certain recognized security practices of covered entities (CE) and business associates (BA) when taking enforcement actions.
Q: Is it permissible to store paper patient records in a public storage unit? If so, do the storage units need to use specific safeguards to be HIPAA compliant?
Q: Do companies such as FitBit (and others that sell wearable devices that track and store health information) need to abide by HIPAA regulations? Should I be concerned with how these companies are viewing and sharing my health information?
This month’s column will dig a bit deeper and look at the reasons why lawsuits are filed in the first place and what gets healthcare entities in hot water. Hopefully this will help guide you when it comes to addressing those activities and events that result in costly legal battles.
