The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 established federal standards for the security of electronic protected health information (e-PHI). In instances where violations are deemed to have occurred, a HIPAA investigation is initiated. For this reason, health providers are advised to retain legal counsel with expert knowledge of healthcare laws, so that they can determine how to beat a HIPAA investigation.
Under HIPAA health care providers and other ‘covered entities’ are required to safeguard the integrity of healthcare information. This requires setting up a tailor made compliance plan. However, there are times when gaps in privacy practices exist, and these could become the basis of an investigation into HIPAA procedures by state and government regulators.
Dealing with HIPAA Investigations
Ensure that you are HIPAA Compliant: Organizations that have the necessary administrative and technical safeguards in place, as well as appropriately trained personnel, are better equipped to handle a random audit or HIPAA investigation (learn more).
Review Policies Periodically and Conduct an annual risk assessment: Regular review of privacy and security policies should be carried out, to ensure that they are adequate in light of the changing statues. Making the appropriate investment in HIPAA compliance will pay huge dividends should there ever be an investigation.
Retain experienced legal counsel: Attorneys can help covered entities substantiate that they are HIPAA compliant. They can also monitor the organization’s conduct during an HIPAA investigation, provide guidance in interpreting the regulations, and respond to HIPAA enforcers on your behalf.
At Nelson Hardiman, Los Angeles, CA, our attorneys are specialists in healthcare matters. We know what it takes for you to be HIPAA compliant, as well as how to beat a HIPAA investigation into your business data and records. Call us today at 310-203-2800 for an appointment.