All the HIP(AA) Kids are Doing it!

EDITOR'S NOTE: Special thanks to Jean Morgan for writing today's blog post. You can connect with her on LinkedIn. 

Knock. Knock.  

Who’s There?

HIPAA.

HIPAA Who?

I can’t tell you that.

UGGGG. You’ve heard it before.

“Please sign this. It’s for HIPAA.”

OR

“We can’t share that information with you.” “Why not?” “Because … HIPAA!”

Truth is, most people (healthcare folks included) do not have a strong understanding of what HIPAA actually is. In fact, you’ll sometimes even see it spelled incorrectly!

So, here’s the rundown.

Back in 1996, it all started. The newly implemented HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules focused on health care providers, health plans and other entities that process health insurance claims.

Then it expanded from there in 2013. The changes enhanced the rules and expanded many of the requirements to business associates of these entities that receive protected health information.

What’s that mean?!? Simply put, if you work with someone who needs to comply with HIPAA regulations, then now YOU need to comply with HIPAA regulations.

So how does this relate to me? Well, if you’re a healthcare startup (or if you’re considering entering into the healthcare space), you need to think seriously about security, privacy and compliance with the HIPAA regulations. Making sure your company complies with these government regulations is costly. But a breach could be devastating and even costlier. A security breach for a startup is a security breach for all of their customers. Not good.

Thorough HIPAA compliance provides startup companies a powerful competitive advantage in sales and peace of mind for their customers.

So, what do you need to do? What’s next? Check out this infographic that illustrates the road to compliance and the potential pitfalls.