HIPAA Violations

My PHI Breach Part 2

by HIPAA Admin on May 7, 2012

in HIPAA Headlines

In part 1 of my PHI breach story I mentioned that I’d keep an update running, specifically that I’d write an update “in a few days”. Well, that didn’t happen. Mainly because after I filled out my paperwork and send it in…nothing has happened. I suppose this is a good thing. But this article reminded [...]

{ 0 comments }

Continue Reading

Most of the time when I read a story on a stolen laptop, it is just the singular topic – Hey genius, if you encrypted your laptop this wouldn’t be an issue. The latest story I’ve come across pulls pieces in from multiple issues that a medical practice needs to consider.  Though the incident revolves [...]

{ 0 comments }

Continue Reading

HIPAA Whistleblowers

by HIPAA Admin on April 26, 2012

in HIPAA Headlines

Just like in any profession, there is a desire by the government to have whistle-blowers. A whistle-blower makes the job of policing much easier for the government. The whistle-blower will get job protection (if they want to stay on) and typically a percentage of any fines.  Remember, HIPAA fines can be huge! Let’s take a [...]

{ 0 comments }

Continue Reading

Emory Data Breach, Same Old Excuses

by HIPAA Admin on April 25, 2012

in HIPAA Headlines

Does anyone know the #1 reason for a PHI data breach? That’s right, a lost or stolen storage device that is not encrypted. Follow on question: what is the only Safe Harbor for a lost or stolen storage device? Encryption! So, the worst offender is an un-encrypted storage device, yet one of the easiest things [...]

{ 0 comments }

Continue Reading

My PHI Breach Part 1

by HIPAA Admin on November 22, 2011

in HIPAA Headlines

It is not unusual for me to rant here about the ridiculous level of recklessness the medical community has for our PHI. Specifically, the easiest thing to point out, as it happens all the time, is the “theft” (or loss) of a portable storage device. For those keeping score, a portable storage device is anything [...]

{ 0 comments }

Continue Reading