HIPAA Compliance and Data Security
Security
A study conducted by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) on LTPAC providers engaged in Health Information Exchange (HIE) found that LTPAC facilities continue to have issues with outdated technology solutions, and that some key personnel in these facilities remain unaware of the importance of the security and interoperability of PHI.
The need for senior living operators to protect their vulnerable IT systems and data is underscored by the weekly stories of US companies being hacked, phished and scammed out of billions of dollars. HIPAA and HITECH compliance is the regulatory response to this and puts the IT security responsibility on the operator.
Listen as Chris Lisser from vcpi, Ryan Witt from Proofpoint Solutions, and Rod Brewer from Exceptional Living Centers provide expert advice on IT security for LTPAC.
As Hurricane Florence wreaks havoc in the Carolina’s, it is an important reminder that your IT infrastructure is highly vulnerable to nature’s fury. This includes the very real possibility of extended power and internet outages, as well as physical destruction of IT equipment and loss of critical data. Keeping your residents and staff safe in such during event is of course your primary concern, but what preparation can you do to minimize the impact of these major storms on your IT systems and data?
Mobile device theft constitutes a major source of HIPAA breaches in senior living communities. According to a PubMed study, most HIPAA breaches are caused by the theft or loss of mobile devices on which Protected Health Information (PHI) is stored. The online journal Perspectives in Health Information Management reports that mobile technology is revolutionizing healthcare. Providers who work in the LTPAC industry are increasingly using mobile devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets at the point of care. This is good news for residents and staff alike, but it also means that administrators and employees must be extra-vigilant about sensitive patient data to make sure it cannot be compromised by stolen or lost devices.
Cybersecurity is a concern for everyone as this world becomes more and more connected, but it's of particular concern in the area of long-term post-acute care (LTPAC) for a number of reasons. Here are a few reasons why LTPAC communities should worry about online security, and what can be done for each.
One of the biggest developments in the world of technology back in November was the rollback of net neutrality rules by the FCC. This decision by the Trump Administration has already created contention with many, and the ripple effects are still being forecasted. While it could affect numerous industries, those in senior living could see some of the biggest impact.
You want your business to grow. You write a business plan. You build a stellar online presence that provides a high-quality user experience. You court your customers. You protect your business by obtaining the appropriate insurance. You genuinely try to prepare and grow your business. If you ignore your cyber security strategy though, you are doing yourself and your growing business a major disservice.
If you haven’t invested in upgrading the technology in your communities the last few years, chances are the time has come. Technology has and continues to rapidly evolve, and current devices and applications can more cost-effectively and efficiently improve your business and leverage your resources to allow you to deliver better quality of care.
Operating a long-term care community without updated, integrated technology can present major challenges for staff and residents alike. Inefficiencies with inaccurate, out-of-date data and devices that do not operate securely where and when you need it to not only has a negative impact on your bottom line, but can generate frustrations among staff and have dangerous consequences for residents.
The need for Long-Term Post-Acute Care (LTPAC) cannot be denied, as the population of the US is increasingly aging. As reported by the U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, there will be almost 83.7 million US people aged over 65 in 2050. Along the same lines, the reported 65th birthday of the average baby boomer in 2011 further emphasizes the implications of LTPAC, as the individuals of this age group will be over 85 years by 2050. Accordingly, LTPAC providers must be proficient in delivering quality care, which ultimately means being technologically aligned.
