The American Hospital Association (AHA) has urged healthcare organizations to review a recent Microsoft blog post that warns of a new malware variant that has been used by an Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) actor to […]
Because of the role nursing students play in the provision of healthcare, the HIPAA guidelines for nursing students are straightforward. Nonetheless, there have been cases in which nursing students have unintentionally violated HIPAA regulations due […]
Xavier Becerra, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency for a further 90 days. Earlier this month, the American Hospital Association (AHA) wrote to Becerra […]
The nature of HIPAA training for healthcare administrators can vary considerably depending on factors such as an organization´s size, the responsibilities assigned to healthcare administrators, and individuals´ existing knowledge of HIPAA. It can also be […]
Solo private practices and small group practices are subject to the same HIPAA regulations as nationwide health care systems, and therefore HIPAA training for small medical practices has to cover the same range of subjects […]
HIPAA training for dental offices is a requirement of the Privacy Rule and the Security Rule due to dental offices coming under the definition of a Covered Entity in the Administrative Simplification Provisions of the […]
Because every organization has different HIPAA policies and procedures, what you learn during HIPAA training for new members of the workforce will likely vary from organization to organization. However, what you learn during security and […]
HIPAA training for healthcare workers is a requirement of both the Privacy Rule and the Security Rule. In addition, Covered Entities may need to provide further HIPAA training for healthcare workers if a threat to […]
2021 was another record-breaking year for healthcare data breaches. As of December 31, 2021, 686 healthcare data breaches had been reported to the HHS’ Office for Civil Rights that affected 44,993,618 individuals. That number is […]
There has been a significant growth in recent years in companies offering web-based HIPAA training courses. While these courses can provide valuable information about HIPAA and the reasons why policies and procedures exist to safeguard […]
Are you confused about HIPAA training? Are you unsure if HIPAA training is required annually or how often you should be providing security awareness training to your workforce? If so, we hope this post will […]
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how often is HIPAA training required because, beyond the training requirements of the Privacy and Security Rules, the frequency of HIPAA training should be determined by […]
The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights has issued guidance for healthcare providers on how the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) applies to disclosures of protected health information (PHI) […]
Without doubt, the best HIPAA training is training that goes beyond the requirements of the Privacy and Security Rules so that Covered Entities and Business Associates have fully HIPAA-aware workforces that can identify potential HIPAA […]
A review of online HIPAA training courses shows a wide range of courses exist. Undoubtedly there are some which are more comprehensive than others, and while price is no guarantee of quality, those that acknowledge […]
If you study the text of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, the only mention of HIPAA compliance training for Business Associates appears within the Administrative Safeguards of the Security Rule. However, there are […]
Medical offices tend to have more access to PHI than most other healthcare departments and consequently HIPAA training for medical office staff may need to be more comprehensive – and more frequent – than the […]
It is easy to understand why Covered Entities and Business Associates might assume HIPAA training for IT professionals only needs to consist of the security and awareness training required by the HIPAA Security Rule. However, […]
The DHS’ Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued a security alert warning healthcare providers about a high-severity vulnerability that affects certain Hillrom Welch Allyn cardio products. The vulnerability is an authentication bypass issue, […]
The state of New Jersey has imposed another financial penalty to resolve violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, its third penalty in as many […]
The Dutch Data Protection Authority has imposed a €2.75 million (USD 3.1 million) financial penalty on the Dutch Tax Administration for the unlawful processing of the personal data of Dutch citizens with dual nationality, which […]
There are two standards in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act that directly relate to HIPAA training for employees – the training standard of the Privacy Rule´s Administrative Requirements (45 CFR § 164.530) and […]
There is no question that HIPAA training for nurses is mandated by the Administrative Requirements of the HIPAA Privacy Rule. However, the content of HIPAA training for nurses should go further than the minimum requirements […]
The HHS’ Office for Civil Rights has settled 4 more investigations into potential HIPAA Right of Access violations and has imposed one civil monetary penalty for the failure to provide timely access to medical records. […]
Because of some confusion about the HIPAA training requirements, many Covered Entities and Business Associates provide basic HIPAA training to all members of their workforces. While this is a good idea because it ensures everyone […]
HIPAA privacy training is sometimes confused with HIPAA Privacy Rule training which requires Covered Entities to train members of its workforce on policies and procedures “with respect to PHI […] as necessary and appropriate for […]
The issue of HIPAA training for managers is complex because, although the Security Rule states management must be included in security awareness training (45 CFR § 164.308), there is no guidance provided on what other […]
There are training requirements in both the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules; however, many people are unsure about who should have HIPAA training. In this post, we explain the HIPAA training requirements, and which staff […]
The record retention requirements for different types of documentation can be vastly different. Here we explain how long you should keep employee HIPAA training records and other types of HIPAA documentation to ensure you remain […]
The healthcare and public health sector has been warned to take steps to reduce the risk of cyberattacks exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities. A zero-day vulnerability is a software flaw that has only just been brought to […]
Two bills have been signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom that impact the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). The bills have added new exceptions to the right to opt-out of the sale of personal information […]
When you consider the risk analysis requirements of HIPAA, the potential for corrective action orders, and the inferences of the Security Rule training requirements, the provision of additional HIPAA refresher training training is practically unavoidable. […]
Most Covered Entities are aware that HIPAA training for new staff is a requirement of the Privacy Rule. However, there can be gaps in a Covered Entity´s understanding of which new staff require training, how […]
New Jersey has fined two printing companies $130,000 over an impermissible disclosure of the protected health information (PHI) of almost 56,000 New Jersey residents in 2016. The fine is part of a settlement reached between […]
HIPAA compliance training companies often provide trainees with a certificate at the conclusion of a HIPAA training course to demonstrate trainees have completed the course. This is sometimes referred to as HIPAA Certification, but what […]
HIPAA certification training for employees of HIPAA-covered entities or vendors that provide products or services to the healthcare industry has several advantages. In this post, we explain the benefits of HIPAA certification, but first it […]
An investigation conducted by the Dutch Data Protection Authority (DDPA) – Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens – into the data processing activities of the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration has uncovered violations of the core principles of the […]
Legacy systems and devices are pervasive in healthcare. Large healthcare organizations often have many systems and devices that contain components that have reached end-of-life and are no longer supported. When software, firmware, or hardware reaches […]
Any vendor that wants to provide goods or services to HIPAA-covered entities – healthcare providers, health plans, or healthcare clearinghouses – that requires access to protected health information (PHI) must comply with certain HIPAA provisions. […]
The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) has recently published a draft decision on its investigation of a complaint about Facebook’s data processing practices and found “a significant level of non-compliance” with Articles 5(1)(a), 12(1), and […]
An investigation of potential violations of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (CFA), New Jersey Identity Theft Prevention Act (ITFA), and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA) Act has resulted in a financial penalty […]
HIPAA privacy and security training must be provided to all new employees, when job functions change, or when there has been a material change in policies or procedures, and while training can take many forms, […]
Several vulnerabilities have recently been identified in medical devices such as insulin pumps, infusion pumps, and pacemakers which could be exploited in malicious attacks that could potentially kill patients and concern is growing about the […]
The introduction of vaccine mandates in many places of work has led many people to question how the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Rules apply to disclosures of COVID-19 vaccination information. There are […]
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an initiative launched by the National Cyber Security Alliance and the United States Department of Homeland Security in 2004 which is now in its 18th year. Throughout October, cybersecurity […]
How long does HIPAA training take? Basic HIPAA training can be provided in a session of up to an hour, although training can take considerably longer depending on the role of an individual in the […]
Ransomware and other destructive cyberattacks on healthcare delivery organizations (HDOs) can cripple IT systems, prevent access to protected health information, and often see appointments cancelled and patients redirected to other healthcare facilities. The disruption caused […]
A lawsuit filed against Blackbaud Inc. alleging violations of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) has survived a motion to dismiss. Judge Childs of the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina […]
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a Health Breach Notification Rule, similar to the Breach Notification Rule of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The FTC has recently released a Policy Statement confirming […]
HIPAA security awareness training is a requirement of the HIPAA Security Rule, which calls for HIPAA covered entities and their business associates to “implement a security awareness and training program for all members of its workforce (including […]
The Omaha, Nebraska-based pediatric care provider Children’s Hospital & Medical Center (CHMC) has agreed to pay a $80,000 financial penalty to resolve an investigation into an alleged violation of the Right of Access provision of […]
The Department of Health and Human Services’ cybersecurity department, the Health Sector Cybersecurity Coordination Center (HC3), has issued a warning to organizations in the health and public health sector alerting them to an elevated risk […]
The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) has imposed a record €225 million ($267m) financial penalty on WhatsApp for ‘severe’ violations of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook, is […]
Following the presidential declaration of an emergency in Louisiana and Mississippi due to Hurricane Ida, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services has declared a public health emergency exists in those states […]
On June 2018, 2018, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) was signed into law, and the CCPA took effect on January 1, 2020. It has been more than 18 months since compliance with the privacy […]
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Rules still apply during public health emergencies such as the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak. When preventing and dealing with cases of COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused […]
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) introduced new standards for data protection in Europe. Introduced in May 2018, GDPR changed the way that businesses handle collect, handle, and process consumer data. The regulations also granted […]
The Californian Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) was signed into law in June 2018. Many data privacy experts have compared CCPA to Europe’s latest data protection legislation, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). Much like GDPR, […]
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced today that the California Department of Justice will hold six public forums on the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) starting January 8. During the December press meeting in which […]
Impact of CCPA on Business The Californian Governor Jerry Brown signed the Californian Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) into law in June 2018. The CCPA has revolutionised the data privacy rights of Californian residents. CCPA offers […]
The EU introduced the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in May 2018. Since its implementation, GDPR has changed the way that businesses handle, collect, and process consumer data. It is a landmark piece of legislation […]
Hilton Honors has started a repermissioning project for members of its loyalty program members. With the GDPR deadline less than 4 weeks away, it’s a surprisingly rare example of an international company launching a repermissioning […]
The Californian multi-specialty physician’s group, Imperial Valley Family Care Medical Group (IVFCMG), has recently been audited by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR) following a potential breach of […]
The Department of Homeland Security has issued an alert over vulnerabilities in Siemens medical imaging devices. The vulnerabilities could be exploited remotely and attacks would require only a low level of skill. Exploits are publicly […]
The Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST) is looking to improve its threat information sharing capabilities and provide more assistance to HIPAA covered entities to help them manage cyber threats more effectively. HITRUST is already providing […]
The U.S. Senate has passed new legislation that will allow patients’ histories of drug addiction treatment to be shared with their physicians with consent. The legislation will help to ensure physicians can make more informed […]
Regulations governing the treatment of substance use disorder records and HIPAA are currently at odds, although new legislation has been proposed to align both sets of regulations. Representatives Tim Murphy and Earl Blumenauer have introduced […]
The Medical Device Cybersecurity Act introduced by Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal last week is intended to improve the security of medical devices by making it harder for the devices to be hacked. If the legislation […]
The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights has reminded HIPAA-covered entities why security awareness training for healthcare employees is so important in its July Cybersecurity Newsletter. PHI security is not only […]
A Plastic Surgery Associates of South Dakota ransomware attack has potentially resulted in criminals gaining access to the protected health information (PHI) of 10,200 of its patients. Last year, OCR confirmed in its ransomware guidance that […]
KPMG has published the findings of its recent Cyber Healthcare & Life Sciences Survey. The survey was conducted on 100 individuals with responsibility for information security at healthcare providers and payers with annual revenues in […]
For the second time this month, a healthcare provider has announced that an investigation into a ransomware attack has revealed a historic data breach. Earlier this month, Peachtree Neurological Clinic discovered a 15-month data breach […]
HITRUST has announced it is embarking on a new Community Extension Program to reach out to healthcare organizations to provide advice on best practices to adopt to improve cybersecurity. The new program will enable HITRUST […]
AHIMA, the American Healthcare Information Management Association, has announced it has developed a model HIPAA release form that can be used by HIPAA-covered entities to streamline the processing of requests for copies of patients’ health […]
Peachtree Neurological Clinic has uncovered a 15-month security incident during the investigation of a ransomware attack. The Atlanta, GA clinic says the incident has resulted in the exposure of 176,295 patients’ protected health information. Initially, […]
The names, admission dates and medical record numbers of 5,292 patients of University of Iowa Health Care were accessible over the Internet for around 2 years as a result of an error configuring an application […]
A recent survey conducted by risk management software vendor Netwrix has revealed only 5% of healthcare organizations are using software for risk management and security governance. Additionally, only 32% of healthcare organizations said they had […]
One of the largest data breaches of the year to date has been reported by Washington State University. An unencrypted hard drive containing the data of more than 1 million individuals has been stolen. The […]
The HIPAA Breach Notification Rule requires covered entities to issue breach notification letters to patients within 60 days of the discovery of a data breach. Already this year, OCR has agreed its first settlement with […]
The Ponemon Institute has conducted an annual benchmark study on the cost of data breaches for the last decade. Their 2016 Cost of Data Breach Study was published by the Institute earlier this week. The […]
Patient medical record access guidance has been issued by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). The HIPAA Privacy Rule permits patients to obtain copies […]
The healthcare industry is under attack from hackers and malicious insiders. Systems are being compromised at a greater rate than ever before. Last year saw record numbers of HIPAA breaches reported to OCR and the […]
In May, the global WannaCry ransomware attacks resulted in more than 230,000 computers being infected and encrypted. There were also a high number of other IT security incidents reported to the Department of Health and […]
Following the recent WannaCry ransomware attacks, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR) was particularly active. OCR sent out warnings, updates, and threat information related to WannaCry ransomware. OCR also […]
At the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society’s 2017 conference-HIMSS17-OCR’s Deven McGraw released some new information on the HIPAA guidance OCR expects to release in 2017. Last year, the Joint Commission lifted the ban on […]
Although the total number of healthcare data breaches reported in 2016 is an order of magnitude lower than the number seen in 2015, there was a significant increase in the number of covered entities (CEs) […]
HIPAA settlements reached record highs in 2016. This is in part due to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights increasing its enforcement activities in recent years. In total, payments of […]
The Privacy and Security Rules of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) place a number of requirements on healthcare organizations and other covered entities, such as stipulating allowable uses and disclosures of Protected […]
In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in the number of cyberattacks on healthcare organizations with the aim of obtaining PHI. It has proven profitable for hackers to conduct attacks on healthcare organizations […]
The FCC has recently clarified it the rules regarding HIPAA and patient telephone calls, but fails to properly consider automated telephone calls. There has been some confusion reported by healthcare authorities over the rules regarding […]
The following article considers the use, benefits and disadvantages of e-signatures in the healthcare industry, and whether they are compliant with HIPAA rules. The increasing utilisation of digital signatures in the healthcare industry increases the […]
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 is one of the most important pieces of legislation in recent years in regard to the healthcare industry. In spite of its importance, many healthcare providers […]
Veriphyr Identity and Access Intelligence has recently published a report into what causes the greatest threat to exposure of Protected Health Information (PHI). The study found that the theft of mobile devices may result in […]
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