Cybersecurity is often overlooked, especially among smaller healthcare practices that assume they can fly under the compliance radar. Additionally, some practices lack resources to invest in robust compliance and security solutions, or have a small staff focused on other priorities. However, not being compliant can pose significant risks including data breaches and costly HIPAA non-compliance fines.
The Sourcepass team understands how complicated HIPAA compliance can seem to healthcare practices focused on treating patients. Sourcepass can conduct a HIPAA compliance assessment and create a plan to address any identified non-compliance risks.
Non-compliance with HIPAA regulations may lead to significant consequences, both financially and legally. Fines for violations range from $100 to $50,000 per violation, with a maximum penalty of $1.5 million for repeat offenses. Serious violations can even lead to criminal charges, potentially resulting in jail time.
One such violation occurred a few years ago with Premera Blue Cross resulting in a $6,850,000 penalty for a data breach that compromised the protected health information of 10,466,692 individuals. Furthermore, the practice resolved a multi-state action by paying $10 million and successfully settled a class-action lawsuit filed by the breach victims for $74 million.
To maintain ongoing HIPAA compliance, it is necessary to regularly review and update your policies and procedures in response to regulatory changes and internal developments. While you can undertake this process independently, engaging with an expert third-party can help you focus on healthcare priorities.
The assessment should include:
By following these assessment recommendations and engaging in a systematic assessment process, you can proactively manage HIPAA compliance and safeguard sensitive patient data.
Sourcepass can help. For more information on how Sourcepass can help with HIPAA compliance, contact Germany Caushi, Cyber Risk Advisor at (877) 678-8080.