Overview:

This webinar will provide critical guidance for practice managers and compliance officers to fortify their HIPAA compliance programs in preparation for increased federal enforcement, which now has significant bipartisan support in Washington.

We will cover the essential requirements of the HIPAA Omnibus Rule and detail all crucial regulatory updates for 2024. The session will specifically address compliance challenges related to modern communication technologies, including texting, email encryption, medical messaging platforms, and voice data security.

A key objective is to dispel common myths and clarify the actual requirements of HIPAA regulations. With extensive experience gained over 22 years working directly with federal, state, and corporate auditors, I will provide clear, actionable guidance for implementing an effective compliance program. We will examine common scenarios faced by compliance officers and demonstrate practical solutions for managing these situations effectively.

The webinar will also analyze actual litigated cases where HIPAA violations have been used to support state-level negligence claims—representing a significant and growing liability exposure. Additionally, we will identify the highest-risk factors that simultaneously increase the likelihood of both federal audits and private lawsuits.

Why you should Attend:

Participate in this comprehensive 90-minute webinar to gain detailed understanding of HIPAA Compliance Officer responsibilities in today's heightened enforcement environment. New legislation and increased funding have substantially raised compliance risks for both covered entities and business associates.

Can you confidently affirm your HIPAA compliance program meets all requirements? Are you prepared to implement necessary changes to satisfy updated regulations? Have you adapted to the 2024 changes affecting Information Access, Information Blocking, Encryption standards, Notice of Privacy Practices, Dobbs/Jackson implications, and Care Coordination?

Record-breaking enforcement actions and penalties in recent years establish a clear pattern that will continue through 2024. Understanding the enforcement priorities of Health and Human Services is essential for all organizations handling protected health information. You need proven strategies to avoid being targeted in audits and to prevent lawsuits stemming from improper handling of PHI through inadequate IT systems or administrative practices.

Areas Covered in the Session:

• 2024 Regulatory Updates and Enforcement Priorities

• Core Responsibilities of HIPAA Compliance Officers

• Expanded Definition of Protected Health Information

• Analysis of Real-World Litigated Cases

• Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policies and Security

• Security Protocols for Portable Electronic Devices

• Increased Compliance Burden for Business Associates

• Secure Methods for Emailing PHI

• Compliant Frameworks for Texting PHI

• Navigating the Federal HIPAA Audit Process

• Understanding How HIPAA Violations Lead to Lawsuits

• Risk Assessment Tools and Methodologies

• Ransomware Prevention Strategies

• Breach Notification and Response Procedures

Who Will Benefit:

• Medical Practice Managers and Administrators

• Business Associates Serving Healthcare Providers (including Billing Companies, Transcription Services, IT Providers, Answering Services, Home Health Agencies, Medical Coders, and Legal Counsel)

• Physicians and Other Clinical Healthcare Professionals

• Compliance Officers and Privacy/Security Personnel