HIPAA
Protect patient data and address HIPAA compliance with a HIPAA Security Risk Assessment
Any organization that is a Covered Entity or Business Associate under HIPAA regulations MUST complete an annual security risk assessment, then maintain a supporting risk management as evidence of compliance for a potential HHS/OCR audit.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a series of regulatory standards that outline the lawful use and disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI) including Electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI). This federal law passed in 1996 required the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge. HIPAA compliance is regulated by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and enforced by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
Whether you are pursuing government contracts or aiming to implement recognized cybersecurity best practices, NIST compliance offers a proven and structured approach to managing cybersecurity risk.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a series of regulatory standards that outline the lawful use and disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI) including Electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI). This federal law passed in 1996 required the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge. HIPAA compliance is regulated by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and enforced by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
Whether you are pursuing government contracts or aiming to implement recognized cybersecurity best practices, NIST compliance offers a proven and structured approach to managing cybersecurity risk.
Success Stories with
Proven Results
Helping you solve IT challenges through strategic staffing and consulting
Tego supported a healthcare provider’s HIPAA compliance program by developing key privacy and security policies that were integrated into the software development life cycle (SDLC). Policies covered risk management, HIPAA Privacy and Security, user access, vendor oversight, breach notification, and secure development practices. Our engagement addressed HIPAA-specific application risks, including the protection of ePHI, secure data transmission, access logging, vendor/BAA) management, and incident response obligations. These measures provided a structured foundation for secure application operations, aligned with both HIPAA regulatory requirements and SDLC best practices.
Tego provided an on-site HIPAA-focused cybersecurity training, providing employees with key HIPAA components, including: how to recognize PHI, proper uses and disclosures of PHI, how to keep PHI secure, and how to report a breach. The training also educated employees on the health department’s internal privacy and security policies and procedures, which were audited during the HIPAA Security Risk Assessment in a separate engagement. The training included the development of custom content, an on-site presentation, and was recorded for use in follow-on and new hire training.
Why choose us?
The Tego Approach
All HIPAA risk assessments are conducted by our ISACA-certified team using the controls identified in the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules. In addition to conducting the assessment, Tego can help build risk management policies, conduct periodic security training with your employees, and develop and test any contingency plans for your organization.
A HIPAA SRA will address the requirements all healthcare providers and their business associates are required to follow in order to remain compliant. A HIPAA SRA is not a one-time requirement and should be conducted yearly to ensure continued HIPAA compliance.
Meaningful Use and Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS)
In 2009, the Federal Government passed the HIPAA HITECH act. A core objective of HITECH was to drive adoption and “meaningful use” of electronic health record systems. Ultimately, the feds sought the efficiencies and health benefits of automating the processing of medical records.
Almost anyone who is not operating as a hospital is considered an eligible professional (EP). Starting in 2011, EPs could receive incentive money for the early adoption of EHR systems. Those same EPs could receive additional incentives by progressing to more advanced stages of EHR implementation. As of October 1, 2017, all EPs must attest that they have at least completed the first stage and implemented an EHR system. EPs who fail to show Stage 1 MU, will have up to 6% of their Medicare/Medicaid reimbursements withheld.
Within the core elements for attestation at each stage is the requirement that the EP has completed a HIPAA Security Risk Assessment pursuant to the HIPAA Security CFR. Completing a Security Risk Assessment is essential to ensuring your medical practice is compliant with the Meaningful Use regulations.
Each iteration of HIPAA modifications, from Meaningful Use through MIPS/MACRA, encourages the completion of a HIPAA SRA and security management program.
A HIPAA SRA will address the requirements all healthcare providers and their business associates are required to follow in order to remain compliant. A HIPAA SRA is not a one-time requirement and should be conducted yearly to ensure continued HIPAA compliance.
Meaningful Use and Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS)
In 2009, the Federal Government passed the HIPAA HITECH act. A core objective of HITECH was to drive adoption and “meaningful use” of electronic health record systems. Ultimately, the feds sought the efficiencies and health benefits of automating the processing of medical records.
Almost anyone who is not operating as a hospital is considered an eligible professional (EP). Starting in 2011, EPs could receive incentive money for the early adoption of EHR systems. Those same EPs could receive additional incentives by progressing to more advanced stages of EHR implementation. As of October 1, 2017, all EPs must attest that they have at least completed the first stage and implemented an EHR system. EPs who fail to show Stage 1 MU, will have up to 6% of their Medicare/Medicaid reimbursements withheld.
Within the core elements for attestation at each stage is the requirement that the EP has completed a HIPAA Security Risk Assessment pursuant to the HIPAA Security CFR. Completing a Security Risk Assessment is essential to ensuring your medical practice is compliant with the Meaningful Use regulations.
Each iteration of HIPAA modifications, from Meaningful Use through MIPS/MACRA, encourages the completion of a HIPAA SRA and security management program.
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