This week’s HIPAA tip is… check your dates! When was the last time you looked at the date on your Privacy Poster and Privacy Policy on your website? Months, if not years, I would assume! Take a few minutes to go check the date and comment back here on the blog. What did you find?
Here is the key date you need to know — 2013.
First, there were major changes in 2009 that introduced the HITECH regulations. These changes included additional fines up to $1.5 million for data breaches and closer scrutiny on technology security.
In 2013, the OMNIBUS regulations went into effect. This law focused on strengthening the HITECH regulations, including Business Associate Agreements.
So, what can you do to help your practice? Start by checking your dates. Check your Privacy Poster and Privacy Policy dates on your website. If either date is older than 2013, you are out of compliance and need to update your Privacy Poster and Privacy Policies with the new regulations and an updated revision date. If your policies are more than 5 years old, you should have a full assessment completed to ensure your practice is meeting all the new regulations.
These simple items will help you take another step towards compliance and protecting your customers’ PHI.