At the request of our clients, we’ve recently launched our HIPPA/HITECH Assessment services that evaluates the way technology is used in your practice(s).  From assessment of physical security to review key network components, to employee computer-use and network use polices to  anti-virus analysis, and more, we can help ensure your practice is HIPPA/HITECH compliant.

As fraud and security breaches continue to penetrate all areas of today’s technology, health care facilities are becoming increasingly concerned about the implications of fraud and leaked patient information as it relates to the HIPPA and HITECH laws.   The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 was enacted by the United States Congress and signed by President Bill Clinton in 1996. Title II of that provision, known as the Administrative Simplification (AS) provisions, requires the establishment of national standards for electronic health care transactions and national identifiers for providers, health insurance plans, and employers.

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, enacted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, was signed into law on February 17, 2009, to promote the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology.  Subtitle D of the HITECH Act addresses the privacy and security concerns associated with the electronic transmission of health information, in part, through several provisions that strengthen the civil and criminal enforcement of the HIPAA rules.

Section 13410(d) of the HITECH Act, which became effective on February 18, 2009, revised section 1176(a) of the Social Security Act (the Act) by establishing:

• Four categories of violations that reflect increasing levels of culpability;
• Four corresponding tiers of penalty amounts that significantly increase the minimum penalty amount for each violation; and
• A maximum penalty amount of $1.5 million for all violations of an identical provision.

These tiers of fines can range from $100 to $1.5 million for EACH violation.  These violations can be costly to any healthcare business.  Contact us today for your HIPPA/HITECH assessment.

Til Next Time,

Judy & Terry