We asked our C-suite to give us their top technology picks for 2017 for senior living providers. Our Consulting CIOs (CCIOs) work directly with clients and prospects every day, and the most common gaps in technology they see fall into security and mobility. Their following picks all provide cost savings while reducing the chance of receiving a hefty HIPAA fine.
1. HIPAA Security Risk Analysis HIPAA audits have become more commonplace within the senior living industry and appears to be a government priority for the upcoming year, if viewed as a revenue generator. An annual HIPAA Security Risk Analysis is required by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), and many providers we interact with are missing key components that leave them vulnerable to cyber attacks and HIPAA fines. Recently, a stolen mobile phone containing ePHI resulted in a $650,000 fine.
2. Mobile Device Management (MDM) More devices are being used within communities each day, from mobile phones for texting to tablets to enable point of care. How are you as a provider controlling what they access and limit the risk of a data breach? With MDM, organizations can monitor, control and secure devices (whether corporate or employee-owned) such as smartphones, tablets and laptops in the workplace.
3. Microsoft Office 365 Simply put, Office 365 can ensure licensing compliance, and provides ease of use and greater portability. Protect and control your data in the HIPAA-compliant cloud, get your work done anywhere, be prepared for the unexpected with built-in resiliency and recovery capabilities, and work together with your team easily.
4. Tablets (ditch the kiosks!) Point of care continues to be rolled out within facilities, and the question of “Should I use tablets or kiosks?” frequently comes up when talking to prospects and clients. Tablets are a lower-cost option, allow staff to work from anywhere and can be secured using mobile device management.
