Overview:

This detailed training session offers a thorough exploration of your organization's information technology systems and their direct connection to the HIPAA/HITECH Security Rule, with specific focus on safeguarding Protected Health Information (PHI) during electronic transmission.

Participants will examine numerous practical examples and case scenarios while receiving straightforward, actionable compliance strategies. Critical topics will include secure texting protocols, email protection standards, encryption requirements, approved healthcare communication platforms, voice data security, and risk management for personal mobile devices. The session will distinguish common misconceptions from actual regulatory requirements, leveraging insights from extensive risk assessment experience and direct engagement with HIPAA enforcement officials.

I will share specific knowledge gained from nearly two decades as an independent compliance auditor and expert witness in HIPAA-related litigation, including detailed information about how patients can now seek financial damages for unauthorized disclosures of their health data. Most crucially, I will demonstrate practical methods for reducing compliance vulnerabilities through proactive measures and established security protocols.

Be wary of misleading online information about HIPAA requirements, particularly concerning technology and encryption standards, as many vendors promote unnecessary solutions that exceed actual regulatory mandates.

Why you should Attend:

Struggling to separate fact from fiction regarding HIPAA compliance requirements? This session provides definitive clarification. Widespread confusion persists about proper PHI transmission protocols and the specific responsibilities of healthcare organizations and their business partners—including which practices to avoid entirely. Understanding current enforcement priorities from Health and Human Services regarding mobile devices, electronic messaging, and data transfer is essential for modern healthcare operations.

Learn strategic approaches to minimize audit exposure and prevent lawsuits stemming from inadequate information security practices. Having provided expert testimony in cases where organizations faced litigation for insufficient risk management, I can confirm that liability from private legal actions now represents a greater threat than federal enforcement in many circumstances.

Areas Covered in the Session:

• 2024 Regulatory Updates and Enforcement Trends

• Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program Management

• Developing Comprehensive Personal Device Policies

• Security Protocols for Portable Electronic Equipment

• Physician Texting Guidelines and Compliance

• Implementable Security Solutions

• Expanding Business Associate Compliance Obligations

• Secure PHI Transmission via Email

• Compliant Text Messaging Frameworks

• Navigating Federal HIPAA Audit Procedures

Who Will Benefit:

• Healthcare Practice Administrators and Operations Managers

• Business Associates serving healthcare organizations (including Billing Services, IT Providers, Transcription Companies, Call Centers, Home Health Agencies, Medical Coders, and Legal Advisors)

• Physicians, Nurses and Clinical Healthcare Providers

• All personnel who work with Protected Health Information in any capacity