HIPAA Compliance and Data Security
Security
A study conducted by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) on senior living providers engaged in Health Information Exchange (HIE) found that senior living facilities continue to have issues with outdated technology solutions, and that some key personnel in these facilities remain unaware of the importance of the security and interoperability of PHI.
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 senior living 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.
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.
