HIPAA primarily focuses on technology and security standards as they apply to all electronic exchanges of confidential patient information through electronic medical records (EMRs).
Section 264 of HIPAA, the Privacy Rule, pertains to all patients’. Protected health information (PHI) in any EMR format. Electronic, written, verbal. Image. This rule applies to three types of covered entities and their business associates: health care plans, clearinghouses. Providers.
Health care providers initially concentrated on electronic data interchange by submitting standardized electronic claims via their practice management systems to clearinghouses or insurance companies. Only a handful of administrative parties were privy to a limited amount of patient information, such as diagnosis or procedural codes.
However, as a result of providers beginning to use EMRs, e-prescribing. Online communications, protected health information is available to several clinical and administrative personnel at multiple locations, round the clock. Although security and privacy standards are interchangeable terms, it’s the security standard that dominates HIPAA compliance in regards to EMRs.
Unfortunately, there are numerous limitations which prevent comprehensive compliance with the Privacy Rule, including factors such as a lack of resources, administrative support. Interoperability between systems, as well as budget constraints to train new staff.
This lag in HIPAA compliance comes at a time when patients are becoming more aware of their rights to understand and control how their health information is used and disclosed. The most frequent security problems involve small physician practices, due to a lack of adequate safeguards, such as exposure to computer screens. Other security vulnerabilities involve practices engaging in the improper disposal of PHI.
In order to avoid misuse or improper access of PHI, practices and their business associates must address security concerns involving firewalls, password protection, encryption. Related considerations. The government has also ensured HIPAA compliance by implementing HIPAA audits. The audits focus on specific issues like policies and procedures for ensuring privacy, confidentiality of the PHI of patients. The evaluation of security violation action plans. Other security measures including employee background checks, internal restrictions on accessibility of private information and physical security measures are all examined to determine if they fit within the guidelines established under HIPAA.
Considering the initial focus of the HIPAA audits and the ideas behind the recent attempts at modifying EMR legislation, we can begin to see forthcoming changes to the guidelines in dealing with EMRs. The question now is when’ll these changes be implemented?
