Written by Jordan Wise, Technical Solution Consultant
Safeguarding patient data is both a legal requirement and essential practice in digital healthcare. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) establishes clear standards for securing sensitive health data. Given the complexity and frequent evolution of these regulations, maintaining compliance can present significant challenges. That’s where a well-structured HIPAA compliance and cyber security program becomes essential.
As an MSP Alliance certified managed services partner, Watchkeep can provide both the technology and expertise to help enable your business toward a secure and compliant IT environment.
Who Needs to Comply?
HIPAA applies to:
- Covered Entities: Health plans, healthcare providers, and clearinghouses that transmit health data electronically.
- Business Associates: Vendors and partners who handle Protected Health Information (PHI) on behalf of Covered Entities.
Even if you’re not directly covered, you may still be subject to related rules like the FTC’s Health Breach Notification Rule for personal health record vendors.
Key Cybersecurity Measures
- Encryption: All ePHI should be encrypted both in transit and at rest to prevent unauthorized access.
- Compliance Audit (GRC): Government, Risk, and Compliance auditing tools uncover policy non compliance for standards such as HIPAA, NIST, and ISO
- Pen Testing: Partnering with an MSP who can regularly audit your environment, perform penetration testing, and provide detailed reports along with remediating any issues
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds a critical layer of protection for systems that store or access PHI.
- Regular Patch Management: Ensures that software vulnerabilities are addressed before they can be exploited.
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Monitors network traffic for suspicious activity.
- Endpoint Protection: Secures devices like laptops, tablets, and mobile phones that access PHI.
- Incident Response Plan: A documented strategy for identifying, containing, and recovering from cyberattacks.
Emerging Threats to Watch
- Ransomware: Encrypts data and demands payment for its release, often targeting hospitals and clinics.
- Phishing Attacks: Deceptive emails that trick employees into revealing credentials or downloading malware.
- Third-Party Risks: Vendors and partners may introduce vulnerabilities if not properly vetted.
Compliance Best Practices
- Appoint Officers: Designate Privacy and Security Officers to oversee compliance.
- Conduct Risk Assessments: Regularly evaluate threats to PHI and implement mitigation strategies.
- Train Your Team: Ensure all staff understand HIPAA policies and cybersecurity hygiene.
- Review Business Associate Agreements: Confirm that partners meet HIPAA and cybersecurity standards.
- Document Everything: Maintain records of policies, procedures, and assessments for at least six years.
Why It Matters
Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines, reputational damage, and operational disruption. Even if enforcement doesn’t result in monetary penalties, corrective action plans can be costly and time-consuming.
Final Thoughts
HIPAA compliance isn’t a one-time task, it’s an ongoing commitment to data privacy and security. Finding an experienced Managed Services Partner like Watchkeep who can support you on this journey is critical for a successful outcome. By following a comprehensive checklist and integrating robust cybersecurity practices, healthcare organizations can build trust, avoid penalties, and deliver care with confidence.
