Hipaa Violation and Prevention - 1042 Words

HIPAA Violation and Prevention Many healthcare professionals and organizations have not been following the regulations set forth by HIPAA. Whenever violations of HIPAA’s privacy or security laws occur the organizations responsible must be held accountable resulting in a fine or penalty. Penalties provide incentive for organizations to guarantee patient privacy and security. Recently, certain people have failed to follow through with the laws and restrictions and were forced to accept the penalty. This paper will provide three real examples of such HIPAA violations as well as solutions or ways each violation could have been prevented. In 2010, The Hospice of North Idaho, located in Hayden Idaho had a security breach compromising 441†¦show more content†¦In March 2012, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee (BCBST) agreed to pay the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 1.5 million dollars to also settle violations of HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules. There was first an investigation into a reported fifty-seven stolen unencrypted computer hard drives containing protected health information of over one million individuals. The investigation showed that BCBST failed to implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards. The organizations administrators failed to perform required security evaluations as well as implement appropriate physical safeguards such as adequate facility access controls. As in the first example, the hard drives were not encrypted either. This incident would have been prevented if BCBST had improved its technical safeguards by encrypting all electronic devices. Also, it sh ould have monitored its facilities more closely and had more reviews to ensure that everything was in compliance with HIPAA laws. Also, the organization would be in better shape if it conducted regular training for employees covering HIPAA responsibilities so that everyone is informed of what is right. No such policies relating to HIPAA were in place prior to the incident. The three incidents that were described showed that proper HIPAA education is essential for any work in the medical field. Compliance to the laws will prevent huge fines and decrease any company losses. Also, patient privacy will beShow MoreRelatedHipaa Violations Within The United States1166 Words   |  5 PagesDuring this research, there has been a collection of data that had been connected to the instances of HIPAA violations within the United States. There are various cases that have been reported through patients and employees where very personal medical information has been exposed unlawfully for personal gain. These cases have not only put a company at reputational risk. But these cases can also place a patient and or healthcare company in a terrible financial stipulation. This thesis will includeRead MoreEffective Working Knowledge of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (Hipaa)668 Words   |  3 PagesEffective working knowledge of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) A shadow chart (not part of the legal medical record) is a copy of original health record retained apart from the primary custodial area used primary by health care providers in their office or clinic setting. Independent databases are often created by researchers and may not include the same content as the original health record. In case of a late entry (addendum) in one, shadow chart or independentRead MoreExpanded Risk Management Plan: How to Handle Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act Violations938 Words   |  4 Pagesapplication has the most risk in terms of a legal violation that involves a compromise of patient privacy. 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Laws and judicial decisions influence this healthcare organizations day-to-day business. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was established in 1996 to protect the rights of individuals when receiving services from health organizations. HIPAA ensures the privacy and confidentiality of individual’s health informationRead MoreHow Hipaa Violations Affect the Medical Billing Process1574 Words   |  7 PagesRunning head: HOW HIPAA VIOLATIONS AFFECT THE MEDICAL BILLING How HIPAA Violations Affect the Medical Billing Process Brenda Beaver Axia Of UOP How HIPAA Violations Affect the Medical Billing Process HIPAA confidentiality is important for very patient but for some reasons when they hear someone has HIV or AIDS it gives them the right to talk about it with others which have no reason to know. I will show why it is so important to be sensitive to this type of health conditions. Will examineRead MoreSocial Media s Impact On Communication1456 Words   |  6 Pagesis shared. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) violations and compliance should be handled in all healthcare organizations. All healthcare providers have to understand what is considered a HIPAA violation within social media. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) created a set of rules to protect the privacy of personal health information known as the Privacy Rule. A breach or violation is an inexcusable use or disclosure under the Privacy Rule that compromises