HIPAA data breach affecting 441 patients leads to investigation resulting in $50K in penalties due to alleged lapses in security compliance.
Continue Reading Small HIPAA Breach (Affecting Fewer Than 500) Leads to Substantial Penalties

On Monday, the Office for Civil Rights released guidance regarding methods for de-identification of protected health information (PHI) in accordance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule and as required by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

HIPAA covered entities and business associates recognize the increasing risks related to handling "protected health information." One way to reduce these

Another reported HIPAA breach results in $1.5 million dollar settlement between HIPAA covered entity and HHS’ Office of Civil Rights
Continue Reading Massachusetts Health Care Provider, MEEI, Settles HIPAA Charges Following Stolen Electronic Storage Device

Read Jackson Lewis’ white paper addressing legal risks stemming from occupational health nurses and on-site health clinics
Continue Reading Jackson Lewis White Paper Addresses Legal Risks Stemming From Occupational Health Nurses and On-site Health Clinics

HIPAA covered entities and business associates need to consider how to practically and efficiently track and illustrate compliance should they find an OCR investigator knocking at the door.
Continue Reading Automating HIPAA Compliance Tracking and Audit Preparation

Today, the Office for Civil Rights formally announced its HIPAA audit plan, with audits commencing in November 2011. A new page on OCR’s website answers some helpful questions for covered entities and business associates, which are summarized in this report.
Continue Reading OCR Announces HIPAA Audit Program

If you have an interest in the role the growing use of mobile communications devices (smartphones, iPads, iPhones, etc.) will play in how personal health information is exchanged in the health care industry, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) is seeking your input. According to a notice published Nov. 1, 2011 (76 Fed. Reg. 67455), comments are due Dec. 31.
Continue Reading Provide Feedback to Government on Exchanging Health Information on Mobile Communications Devices

Approximately 150 HIPAA on-site audits are scheduled to begin in early 2012. Covered entities and business associates should be aware of the nature and scope of these audits and what they should be doing to be prepare should they be selected.
Continue Reading HIPAA Audits to Begin Early 2012