Here at Total HIPAA, we pride ourselves on providing helpful resources for all businesses striving for HIPAA compliance. Our weekly blog is one of the many services we offer. As we approach the end of 2020, we reflect on the most popular HIPAA topics this year. Our analytics tell us these were the most-visited pages posted on our website this year.
10. CCPA & HIPAA: Important Intersections
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) went into effect on January 1, 2020. CCPA is a California state law that establishes new consumer rights relating to the access of personal information that is held by businesses. This prompted many to ask: how does CCPA impact Covered Entities who comply with the HIPAA law? In this post, we break down the intersection of these two laws and who needs to be compliant.
9. Ransomware Attacks Directed at Businesses Grow
Ransomware attacks have surged in the last year and healthcare providers and other businesses have fallen victim. Previously, these cyberattacks mostly targeted individuals, who often paid only a few hundred dollars to retrieve their files. Now, many businesses have found themselves locked out of their networks and unable to access them unless a ransom is paid. Read this article to learn more about preventative measures and what to do if your organization becomes the victim of a ransomware attack.
8. Microsoft End of Support 2020
Every year, Microsoft terminates support for a number of products. This means they no longer release security updates or technical support for any of the programs on the list. HIPAA requires Covered Entities and Business Associates to use programs that detect, guard against, and report malicious software. This is only possible when programs receive regular security updates from the manufacturer.Â
7. Password Guidelines Updated by NIST
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) – the security standard HIPAA is based on – has updated its password guidelines in accordance with new research. The U.S. government requires its agencies to follow these guidelines, and many other organizations would benefit from implementing these rules as well.
6. Secure Remote Work During COVID-19
In this combo podcast and blog post, Jason Karn, Total HIPAA’s Chief Compliance Officer, interviewed Erik Kangas, founder and CEO of LuxSci. The two discussed security practices to use while working remotely during COVID-19.
5. HIPAA Compliant efax Provider Recommendations
Online fax, cloud fax, or eFax is the use of the internet and internet protocols to send a fax, rather than using a standard telephone connection and a fax machine. In this blog post, we review five eFax vendors (Concord Cloud Fax, Faxage, Innoport, SRFax, and Upland InterFAX) which provide HIPAA compliant eFax services that keep your transmissions secure and protected at all times.
4. HIPAA Waiver: How COVID-19 Impacts HIPAA Compliance
In March, HHS issued a limited waiver of certain HIPAA sanctions and penalties to ease access of data for providers, public health authorities, and others. This HIPAA waiver has important ramifications for care coordination, public health, and the attempted prevention or control of the virus. Read on to learn more about how it may affect your organization’s coronavirus response.
3. What Should an Employer Do if an Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19?
With the onset of COVID-19, many employers have had to face the possibility of the virus entering the workplace. Normally, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers are prohibited from asking employees about symptoms or illnesses they’ve experienced. However, during a pandemic, certain exceptions to this rule can be made.
2. COVID-19 HIPAA Compliance Checklist
How do companies who do not usually allow working from home adapt to the COVID-19 crisis? COVID-19 is changing the way we do business and remote work comes with all kinds of administrative and technical challenges. Both employers and employees have questions. Implementing the items on this checklist can help ensure employee safety and productivity, as well as continuity of operations and business plans.
1. COVID-19 and HIPAA
COVID-19 has prompted many employers in the U.S. to request that workers take sick leave, work from home, or use various other precautions to ensure the safety of themselves and the business. Organizations that must comply with HIPAA should have a Disaster Recovery Plan in place for such a situation. This article details preventative measures, necessary supplies, sick leave, remote access, and other protocols that should be addressed during this outbreak.
If you have ideas for topics you would like us to address in 2021, please tweet at us or send your suggestion to info@TotalHIPAA.com. Subscribe to our blog and follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) to stay connected and informed.
Our HIPAA compliance services help ensure that your business follows the basic HIPAA rules and guidelines to protect sensitive patient information. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing affordable rates and personalized solutions to help you become HIPAA compliant. We understand that navigating the complex requirements of HIPAA can be challenging, which is why we offer a comprehensive range of services to meet your unique needs. From risk assessments to employee training, we have the tools and expertise necessary to help your business achieve and maintain HIPAA compliance. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you protect your patients, your employees, and your business.
