Every healthcare provider must comply with HIPAA guidelines, whether they like it or not. The problem is HIPAA guidelines can be so complex, it’s easy to misunderstand a certain standard or regulation. Unfortunately, a lack of understanding isn’t a valid excuse when it comes to a potential HIPAA audit. The good thing is there are managed security service providers to help ensure your practice remains HIPAA compliant. Here is a quick guide to aid in your quest to become and remain HIPAA compliant.
Document and Update Privacy Policies
Keep documents and records of anything and everything pertaining to your policies. HIPAA has some strict guidelines, and if your practice follows similar rules, you’ll get a little slack in your audits. Any time you perform a software update, revise a privacy policy or even speak with IT consulting services about your security, be sure to make note of it. Documentation is key to surviving a HIPAA audit.
Conduct Regular Risk Analysis
Updating your IT security software is great, but it still needs to be tested for potential vulnerabilities. Penetration testing or vulnerability testing needs to be completed on a regular basis to determine whether your security needs any patching. It’s important to hire third-party IT management solutions to run these tests for you, so you have unbiased results when testing is complete.
Train Every Staff Member Thoroughly
The healthcare industry is a revolving door in terms of turnover. Most new hires are qualified experts, but they still need to be trained on your specific systems and procedures to pass a HIPAA audit. One of the most unacceptable answers to any question during a HIPPA audit is “I didn’t know.” As long as you train staff members thoroughly and continue to educate them, you shouldn’t have to worry.
Stay on Top of New Laws and Regulations
HIPAA is always evolving and creating new laws and regulations. The best way to stay on top of them is to read about new HIPAA developments online or in the news on a regular basis. Alternatively, when you use managed security service providers, you won’t have to worry as much about new developments. Third-party services are required to stay up-to-date on these regulations so you don’t have to be as proactive as you normally would.
These tips should help get you on the right track for surviving a HIPAA compliance audit. For more tips, or to look into the best IT management solutions, be sure to contact us.
