General Ideas of HIPAA Compliance Checklist

What is HIPAA Compliance?

Typically the question following “What is HIPAA compliance?” is “What are the HIPAA compliance requirements?” That question is not so easy to answer as – in places – the requirements of HIPAA are intentionally vague. This is so HIPAA can be applied equally to every different type of Covered Entity or Business Associate that comes into contact with Protected Health Information (PHI)

What is a Covered Entity?

A covered entity is a health care provider, a health plan or a health care clearing house who, in its normal activities, creates, maintains or transmits PHI. There are exceptions. Most health care providers employed by a hospital are not covered entities. The hospital is the covered entity and responsible for implementing and enforcing HIPAA complaint policies.

What is a Business Associate?

A “business associate” is a person or business that provides a service to – or performs a certain function or activity for – a covered entity when that service, function or activity involves the business associate having access to PHI maintained by the covered entity. Examples of Business Associates include lawyers, accountants, IT contractors, billing companies, cloud storage services, email encryption services, etc.

How to Become HIPAA Compliant

Many vendors would love to develop apps, software, or services for the healthcare industry, although they are unsure how to become HIPAA compliant. While it is possible to use a HIPAA compliance checklist to make sure all aspects of HIPAA are covered, it can be a difficult process for organizations unfamiliar with the intricacies of HIPAA Rules to develop a HIPAA compliance checklist and implement all appropriate privacy and security controls.
Until vendors can confirm they have implemented all the appropriate safeguards to protect ePHI at rest and in transit, and have policies and procedures in place to prevent and detect unauthorized disclosures, their products and services cannot be used by HIPAA-covered entities. So, what is the easiest way to become HIPAA compliant?
You will certainly need to use a HIPAA compliance checklist to make sure your organization, product, or service incorporates all of the technical, administrative, and physical safeguards of the HIPAA Security Rule.  You must also adhere to the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy and Breach Notification Rules.
Get anything wrong and fail to safeguard ePHI and, as a HIPAA business associate, you can be fined directly for HIPAA violations by the HHS’ Office for Civil Rights, state attorneys general and other regulators. Criminal charges may also be applicable for some violations. HIPAA compliance can therefore be daunting, although the potential benefits of moving into the healthcare market are considerable.
To ensure you cover all elements on your HIPAA compliance checklist and leave no stone unturned, it is worthwhile seeking expert guidance from HIPAA compliance experts. Many firms offer HIPAA compliance software to guide you through your HIPAA compliance checklist, ensure ongoing compliance with HIPAA Rules, and provide you with HIPAA certification.