HIPAA compliance can feel like the giant in the room for small and medium-sized businesses. Compliance starts with your computer network. The reality is that procedures managed in the office won't be enough to help you maintain full compliance if your computer system isn't secure. Companies are being fined millions of dollars each year for HIPAA violations. Yes, tech-related compliance violations can land companies in hot water even if the breaches are accidental. The good news is that companies that address oversights can avoid fines and penalties in many cases simply by taking voluntary compliance actions.
Why HIPAA Compliance Matters
HIPAA rules aren't just for medical offices. All contractors and vendors working with HIPAA-covered entities must adhere to HIPAA standards. This is where it becomes easy to accidentally mishandle information if your business isn't necessarily in the "medical business." While considering HIPAA training for all employees is wise, it's also important to focus on how you can utilize better technology to keep records secure and protected without a complete system overhaul.
How to Get a HIPAA-Compliant Computer System
Start with a technology assessment. This is the easiest way to get an audit of how successfully you're complying. Ideally, you'll do this before you're faced with a real audit. Here's a rundown of what should be covered in a comprehensive HIPAA self-audit of your technology systems:
*Firewall/Unified Threat Management (UTM) effectiveness.
*Blockage of unsecured devices.
*Requests and permissions for users based on employee role, location and device.
*VLAN segmentation for HIPAA and non-HIPAA uses.
*Expanded storage for higher firewall capacity.
Companies that are acing audits are overwhelmingly using scalable cloud solutions to enjoy the benefits of expanded network systems without the cost and management involved with expanding infrastructure. Do you have concerns about where you stand with privacy compliance? Don't let an audit create an ugly headache for your enterprise. Intelligent Technical Solutions can schedule your HIPAA-focused technology assessment to help you catch compliance blind spots before your company faces non-compliance actions from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Schedule your assessment today!