When someone brings up the subject of HIPAA compliance, those who do not work in a medical industry tend to think these nuanced rules are strictly applicable to large hospitals. The truth is small businesses must also be in compliance with HIPAA. Medical providers and related organizations of all sizes owe it to their patients and customers to provide full data security. The documentation is just as important as actual services provided. Our managed IT services team in Springfield, MO has detailed some tips that will help your business stay in full compliance with HIPAA.
Hyper-Awareness of HIPAA Rules Helps
You must be aware of the rules in order to follow them. If your staff is not provided with HIPAA training, compliance will prove that much more difficult. Remove all devices that are not HIPAA-compliant. Establish policies and procedures for staff to follow to ensure full compliance. You should perform a risk assessment at least once per year. Your staff will also benefit from security awareness training. Finally, implement encryption so the data your team transmits cannot be read and intercepted.
Zero In on Mobile Compliance
Take the time necessary to determine if your staff’s mobile devices are compliant with HIPAA. If unsure, do not take any chances. In order for such devices to be compliant, protected endpoints must be in place when patient data is accessed. Mobile device management (MDM) provided by our managed IT services team in Springfield, MO makes it that much easier to lock and wipe devices remotely. This way, if a device is compromised, you will be able to wipe it and prevent access to client data, regardless of where you are positioned.
IT Management Allows for a Proactive Approach
IT management services provide you with a competitive edge and the peace of mind through full compliance. This is the protection your business needs to operate at peak capacity, meet its potential, and keep customer data protected year-round.
Keep Your Employees in the Loop
Some employees are unaware of HIPAA or have not read up on it in years. Most employees handle and see patient data yet are not exactly sure of the proper way in which it should be dealt with to ensure full HIPAA compliance. This is why your team should be provided with yearly compliance training. Such educational sessions will inform employees of what they must do to make data as secure as possible.
Do you need assistance with HIPAA compliance, digital security, or any aspect of IT? At JMARK Business Solutions, our managed IT services team in Springfield, MO is ready to help you. Contact us now!
