Running any business takes a lot of time, effort, and attention. While a lot of business aspects have to be maintained, a key aspect is compliance. Regulatory edicts like HIPAA are present to make sure businesses operate with the well-being of consumers in mind. What are the things you have to remember so that your business won’t be hounded for HIPAA violations, or other felonies you may commit, even unintentionally?
HIPAA Compliance: No Exceptions
The cliche stands: no one is above the law. Even bigger businesses are not exempt from the scrutinizing eyes of mandates like HIPAA. Despite large companies having to do a lot more when it comes to compliance, that does not mean small businesses can be more lax. Instead of asking if your business should be compliant, ask how you should be compliant, to avoid any HIPAA violations.
HIPAA Compliance: Spare No Document
The best way to stay compliant to regulations like HIPAA and consumer laws is through proper documentation. Making sure you pay close attention to the rules regarding HIPAA documentation – one example is how healthcare and medicine businesses handle client records. Aside from the usual private data like names and contact details, these businesses need to be extra careful when handling: patient sicknesses, medical history, medicine and prescriptions taken. One way to make sure this information is handled properly is through signed documents that let bearers of said info to release it as needed. For example, when communication with a pharmacy, the pharmacy only needs to know what medicine is being ordered; the sickness for which this medicine will be used should not be disclosed. Proper creation and handling of documents will lead to the protection of patients and their confidential information.
HIPAA Compliance: Document Control
Document control may include data storage methods, access regulation, and backup. These considerations in handling and maintaining documents may be different for every business, and may also mean that regulation methods in accordance to rules like HIPAA would differ. There is software available that is tested specifically for HIPAA compliance regulations and guarantees your business and client information is protected and well-documented. You should also consider partnering with a Managed IT Service Provider who can provide additional assistance in document management through cloud services like data storage and data backup.
HIPAA Compliance: Working Online
Speaking of cloud computing, being informed about specific considerations when working with business and client documentation online is very important as well. A Managed IT Provider can catalyze your business through cloud technology. Cloud Computing can be a catalyst for business model innovation because it has the power to fundamentally shift competitive landscapes by providing a new platform for creating and delivering business value.
Transferring business documents to an online platform may sound like a risky step to some, with the onslaught of hackers and malware that steal or leak business info. With the example of medicine and healthcare businesses, this is troublesome. Sensitive information about patients’ health records, or insurance details, may be up for wrongful use. It may sound like online service utilization exposes you to HIPAA violations or other mishandlings of law, but this is not the case. By tweaking your online data storage settings so that access is kept within trusted parties, business regulations and edicts like HIPAA are upheld. Educate yourself further on how regulations like HIPAA are followed in business’ online processes.
HIPAA Compliance: Conclusion
HIPAA is constantly changing and updating its regulations. There are still tons of companies that are currently operating without even knowing they need to be HIPAA compliant. You may already be required and could face paying some hefty fines.
Contact us about any questions you have regarding HIPAA compliance. It’s hard to stay on top of all the constant updates so don’t do it alone – let Aperio IT be your trusted resource to ensure your business is always HIPAA compliant.
