This month's HIPAA Q&A includes answers on destroying paper records, doctors communicating with patients from their phones, copies of subcontractor agreements, and more!
There is a lot of pressure on hospitals and other healthcare providers to improve the patient experience by utilizing mobile health apps to make it easier to communicate with patients and their families. But with the pros of mobile apps come cons.
CNO Financial Group recently reported a data breach which compromised the protected health information of 566,271 individuals to HHS’ Office of Civil Rights. The breach occurred in the company’s Bankers Life and Casualty Co. division in Chicago.
Q: We have recently begun to alert patients about appointments via text message. What are some things we should know about remaining HIPAA-compliant through this process?
As healthcare becomes more mobile, there are increasing concerns with device security, particularly when physicians and other healthcare professionals use their personal mobile devices to do their work and to communicate with patients.
The now-defunct Georgia-based company responsible for a 2016 security lapse that allowed the public to view online the patient records of more than 1,650 individuals treated by doctors with Virtua Medical Group has reached a $200,000 settlement with the state of New Jersey.
Q: When I attempted schedule checkup appointments for my grandchildren at my daughter's request, the practice staff informed me that I am not permitted to due to HIPAA. Is this really a HIPAA violation?
Third-party business associates and medical device vendors play a huge role in healthcare, and as healthcare becomes more network-reliant, security for medical devices and third-party vendors is critical.
HHS Office of Civil Rights (OCR) recently launched an education campaign about civil rights protections in response to the national opioid crisis, including specific guidelines for covered entities under HIPAA.
Q: I work for a large company. I called out one day because my daughter was sick. Do I have to provide a doctor's note to my employer when I wasn't the actual patient?
