The Ultimate HIPAA Compliance Checklist for Medical Facilities

If you work in the medical field, you’re no stranger to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). If these standards are followed, you could face a large number of consequences. These include fines, fees, and even legal action.

Let’s explore a brief HIPAA compliance checklist to ensure that you follow the rules.

Maximize Your Document Security

HIPAA standards require you to ensure that all paperwork remains secure. This includes not only patient records but employee files and other important company documents as well.

These types of files should be limited in number and stored in a locked area. One way to do this is to install digital document management software into your workplace’s computers.

Doing so will allow you to protect your electronic documents as well as paper files. You can check out this resource to learn more about CJD E-cycling.

Maximize Your Computer Security

HIPAA mandates that each employee follow standard protocol when handling patient records. This includes computers used in the workplace.

Proper safeguards should be in place to monitor employee activity and prevent unauthorized users from gaining access.

The cybercrime industry is projected to be worth over $10 trillion before the end of the decade. So, this is something you cannot overlook.

You should also have a strong understanding of how to delete medical data safely.

Stay Updated on Regulation Changes

The HIPAA standards change from time to time. To ensure that you’re following the latest guidelines, it’s good practice to review all current regulations every three months.

You should also implement a system for employees to anonymously inform you of any changes they think should be made to the organization’s policies and procedures. If an employee has concerns about how confidential information is being handled, this could be an opportunity for them to speak up.

Install the Right Hardware

HIPAA standards cover more than just computer security.

If you’re looking for ways to protect your medical office overall, one of the most effective methods is through door access control systems. These devices make sure that only approved personnel can enter the workplace.

They’re also useful for stopping theft in its tracks. Each time someone attempts to enter with an unapproved item, it will set off an alarm.

Even if you stop your thief before they can run away with any equipment or medication, you’ll still have the evidence recorded.

Frequently Audit Your Performance

The more frequently you can check on how your medical office is doing, the better.

A HIPAA-compliant environment makes sure that all your employees are following the right procedures. To ensure they’re on track, regularly audit their activities. This will give you a chance to make any small adjustments that could prevent security issues later on.

This HIPAA Compliance Checklist Can’t Be Overlooked

Otherwise, you run the risk of encountering issues with your HIPAA data storage. The good news is that this HIPAA compliance checklist will help ensure that you avoid these problems in the future.

Looking for other useful information about how to optimize your business practices? You can check out the rest of our blog to learn more.