Understanding HIPAA  
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What is HIPAA?:
 
In 1996, the United States Congress adopted a new set of rules that set the stage for some of the most sweeping changes in health care since the 1965 passage of the Medicare Acts signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson.  These changes have an effect over the entire healthcare industry. 

 

If your job involves access to Protected Health Information (PHI), you are responsible for complying with the rules and regulations of HIPAA!

 Protected Health Information is considered any Patient Identifiable data including, but not limited to:

-   Social Security number

-       Name

-       Demographic data (Address, telephone number, fax number, sex, date of birth, etc.)

-       Diagnosis

-       Email address

-       Medical record number

-       Account number
 

How can you be assured that your employees are following these new rules?  
There is only one simple answer to this question. 

AWARENESS!

1) You must be aware of what these rules are and how they effect your work environment.
2) Your employees must be aware of these rules and know how to follow them.
3) You and your employees must continue to oversee your entire operation in order to maintain compliance with these rules.

Violations of HIPAA Regulations Can Result In Stiff Financial Penalties

Under HIPAA, civil and even criminal penalties can be imposed on organizations and possibly upon individuals for wrongful disclosure or other forms of noncompliance.  Wrongful disclosure is defined as either knowingly or unknowingly sharing or disclosing Protected Health Information without permission.  A facility that does not follow the rules may: 

-         Be responsible for civil penalties and fines that can quickly add up to thousands of dollars

-         Be accused of criminal violations that can result in even larger penalties and fines, along with jail time

-         Be excluded from participation in the Medicare program 

For the most up-to-date HIPAA guidelines, click on the link below:

 
 

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