Created in 1996, the main aim of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is to benefit the citizens of the country by protecting their health records and giving them control over their medical and personal information to take legal action in case of suspected anomalies. Being HIPAA Compliant ensures administrative procedures and policies are set in motion to increase the security and privacy of patient information.
To understand more, let us look at five reasons to be fully compliant with HIPAA.
Related Article(s): IT Solutions dedicated to medical offices
- One of the main reasons to be fully compliant with HIPAA is so that you can provide exceptional security and protection to your patients’ private/personal data. Before the HIPAA came into existence, the privacy of personal and medical information depended entirely on the laws. Under the HIPAA though, all states have to meet certain standards. Being compliant with these standards shows your determination and support to strengthen the laws to protect privacy.
- Being HIPAA compliant will enable you to access a range of medical and health records and provide them to patients that require it. HIPAA allows insurance policy holders to gain access to their medical records. Copies can be made and requests for amendments can be allowed, following a proper procedure and process.
- HIPAA Compliance ensures all people entering your healthcare organization are aware of their rights under the act. Patients will be briefed about all the right they are entitled to and you can even provide HIPAA training to employees to help them stay abreast of the latest announcements and developments.
- Being HIPAA Compliant will give you the ability to file complaints against crimes related to a patients’ personal information or alleged misuse of information. If a person suspects violation of privacy or misuse of information, healthcare organizations can follow HIPAA provisions to help file complaints and take action against the alleged party.
- Last, but not the least, by being HIPAA compliant you can avoid punishment for non-compliance. Unlike voluntary quality management systems, HIPAA is mandatory for all those working in healthcare organizations or have a job relating to it.
