Is your information secure?

The transition of medical records from pen and paper to electronic files and browser data has proven to be a very convenient and time efficient tool for healthcare providers and patients alike. Nowadays, patients can access lab results from apps and video chat with providers from the comfort of their home.

But, is there a downside to this change?

To maintain a secure network, protect patient data and comply with HIPPA stipulations; healthcare facilities need to invest in yearly program maintenance, rebooting and software updates, all of which can be very costly. Unfortunately, some institutions still use softwares that are decades old and no longer supported by current computer systems, which makes it difficult to maintain and secure.

What are some ways in which patient’s EHRs could be compromised?

• hackers
• inside job 
• lost or stolen computers
• mobile devices
• removable storage devices

What is the HIPPA security rule?

“The HIPAA Security Rule establishes national standards to protect individuals’ electronic personal health information that is created, received, used, or maintained by a covered entity. The Security Rule requires appropriate administrative, physical and technical safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and security of electronic protected health information.”

What kind of records does the Security Rule protect? 

"The Security Rule applies to electronic protected health information (ePHI) that a covered entity creates, receives, maintains or transmits in an electronic format."

How to know if my HER has been breached?

Individuals should be notified by first-class mail or email no later than 60 days after the breach is discovered.

References

HHS Office of the Secretary, Office for Civil Rights, & OCR. (2017, May 12). The Security Rule. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/security/index.html

Protecting Health Information: The HIPAA Security and Breach Notification Rules. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.privacyrights.org/consumer-guides/protecting-health-information-hipaa-security-and-breach-notification-rules

10 Biggest Problems in Healthcare Cybersecurity (2017). Retrieved from https://www.calyptix.com/hipaa/10-biggest-problems-in-healthcare-cybersecurity/