Take CARE!

This post is a sample Notice of Privacy Practices, outlining the privacy rights of individuals in the context of healthcare. It specifies an individual's entitlement to access and amend their personal health information, request confidential communication methods, and restrict the sharing of their information. The document also highlights the process for obtaining a disclosure history, receiving privacy notices, and assigning a representative to act on the individual's behalf. Additionally, it addresses the right to file a complaint if privacy rights are believed to be violated, reinforcing the entity's commitment to safeguarding patient privacy.

This article discusses the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' new cybersecurity strategy for the healthcare sector, aligning with President Biden's National Cybersecurity Strategy. It highlights the strategy's four pillars of action, including voluntary cybersecurity goals, congressional partnerships for hospital cybersecurity enhancements, and increasing accountability in healthcare. The post emphasizes the urgency of these measures in response to the significant rise in healthcare cyber incidents, stressing the administration's commitment to reinforcing cybersecurity in healthcare and protecting patient data and services.

This infographic provides a concise visual overview of the key steps to take in response to a cyber attack, specifically within a healthcare context. It includes sections on immediate response actions, reporting the crime to law enforcement, notifying federal agencies and ISAOs about cyber threats, and assessing the incident for potential breaches of protected health information. The guide also outlines the specific reporting requirements based on the scale of the breach, and emphasizes the importance of documentation in cases where no breach occurs. The design integrates symbols and flowcharts for easy understanding of the process.

This blog post aims to clarify the definition and criteria of a Covered Entity, helping you ascertain your status and compliance obligations under HIPAA.

As technology becomes integral to patient care, the vulnerabilities in healthcare systems have escalated, with a staggering 93% increase in large-scale data breaches in recent years. This introduction to cybersecurity in healthcare underscores not only the heightened risks but also the critical need for robust cyber defense strategies.

This blog post delves into the intricate relationship between HIPAA and the HITECH Act, exploring how they jointly shape the landscape of healthcare data privacy and security. It highlights the expansions and enhancements HITECH brought to HIPAA, particularly in terms of enforcement, penalties, and breach notification requirements, and discusses the impact on healthcare providers, especially regarding electronic health records and patient rights. The post is essential reading for healthcare professionals seeking to understand and comply with these critical regulations.