OCR Enforcement Of HIPAA Security On Texting, Email & Patient Communications

Webinar Background, Agenda & Trainer Profile :

With an increase in the number of online visits and telehealth/telemedicine during the current situation, staying in compliance with recent security guidelines for HIPAA compliance has become even more difficult. Lack of proper security measures while communicating with patients via email and texts, has forced OCR to ensure comprehensive assessment of potential security risks and vulnerabilities at provider settings. Numerous providers are facing legal and financial penalties due to failure to comply with OCR guidelines. OCR has already launched the HIPAA Audit Program and a lot of Providers and BAs are being notified and receiving information requests. All provider settings are expected to see huge transformation with their communication practices with patients and clients because of the updated HIPAA rule, which includes numerous changes to HIPAA privacy, communication and breach notification rules. They are required to ensure that their staff is well trained to avoid litigation, non-compliance and fines. HHS Office for Civil Rights can show up on your door anytime to audit and ensure your provider setting is in compliance, without an actual breach being reported so it is critical for all providers to be prepared and fully aware of the most recent changes to the HIPAA regulations. This session is designed to provide you the information on how to ensure PHI security and update your patient communication systems according to the new requirements along with updated information on the most recent rules for patient access of lab information and the HIPAA Audit program. 

The following agenda will be discussed in detail during this session :

• Detailed assessment of potential security risks and vulnerabilities at provider setting
• We will discuss learnings from the most recent report on HIPAA breaches
• Comprehending the latest and updated regulations and risks associated with using e-mail and text communications
• HIPAA updates to patient access of laboratory test information
• Importance & detailed insights on security management process to minimize risks and protect PHI
• Policies and procedures for working with e-mail and texts
• Protocols to follow when handling a breach of PHI and patient communications
• Protecting the access rights for electronic copies of electronic records
• Risks and Implications associated with breach of confidential health information.
• Preparing for enforcement and auditing and how to approach compliance
• Case studies & Examples
• FAQs & Resources  

Ask your questions & get expert advice directly from the speaker during the informative Q/A session at the end of the webinar session.

About The Trainer: Regina Mixon Bates is CEO, of the Atlanta-based company, The Physicians Practice S.O.S. Group and has over 20 years of Medical Management and Education experience. The Physicians Practice S.O.S. Group is a healthcare consulting and education firm that provides services such as: long-range planning, IRO services, practice assessments, practice management, A/R management and oversight, new practice set up that includes facility design, auditing and training to physicians and their staffs. For over 20 years, they have helped healthcare providers across the country streamline their A/R process, improve patient flow and practice management and compliance, and keep current with ever-changing state and federal guidelines.