Seven Everyday Tips for HIPAA Compliance to Keep You on Track

HIPAA compliance can be overwhelming, especially without a clear roadmap. To ease the burden, here are seven HIPAA hacks to ensure compliance, protect patients and businesses from legal and financial consequences, and protect yourself from the legal and financial consequences of a breach.

HIPAA compliant network requirements

HIPAA compliance network requirements might be difficult to achieve. HIPAA Network Security is a set of procedures and requirements for protecting computer networks, including wireless LANs and ePHI. It includes administrative safeguards, physical safeguards, and technical safeguards, including workforce training, password security, access controls, backup, and data security policies.

Administrative safety net WLAN security measures should include the following: 

1. Logging the logons and logoffs of WLAN administrators.
2. Imposing stringent password rules.
3. Passwords are changed when employees depart the company.
4. Keeping administrator account credentials secret in a protected system.
5. Using a wireless security threat detection WLAN.
6. Backing up and saving the WLAN configuration safely (for example, at an offsite location or in the cloud). 
7. Configuring the WLAN so that employees who need to use ePHI may continue to do so.

Physical security WLAN security measures should include the following:

1. Using access points with physical tamper resistance, such as a locking mechanism or encryption modules. A wireless access point is a piece of hardware that connects Wi-Fi devices to a wired network. A wired network links the access point to the router.
2. Store WLAN controller equipment (hardware that manages network access points that allow wireless devices to connect to the network) in access-restricted areas (i.e., areas that can only be accessed by specific authorized personnel as part of their job duties).

Technical protection WLAN security measures should include the following:

1. WI-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) and Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) are security protocols that provide stronger encryption than its predecessor, WPA.
2. Passwords must be strong.
3. Do not make your SSID public.
4. Make use of strong wireless encryption.
5. When feasible, use a second layer of encryption.
6. Limit access based on the media access control (MAC) address.
7. Make a separate network for visitors.

Seven of the best everyday HIPAA tips to help you stay compliant

• Educate Yourself on HIPAA Laws And Regulations:

Understanding HIPAA laws and regulations is crucial for compliance and understanding HIPAA’s workings. Organizations often offer HIPAA training as part of employee onboarding processes.

• Getting Professional Assistance:

Seeking professional assistance is crucial for HIPAA compliance, as many organizations offer 

services to help navigate regulations and protect data.

• Utilize HIPAA-Compliant Tools and Resources:

HIPAA-compliant tools and resources are available online, often part of comprehensive training courses. These resources help stay updated on regulations and protect organization’s data. Organizations often offer HIPAA compliance dashboards to track progress and stay on top of compliance obligations.

• Stay Active in The HIPAA Community:

To stay HIPAA compliant, stay active in the HIPAA community through subscriptions, events, and online groups. Staying updated on compliance initiatives and seeking support is essential. It is not a one-time task. An ongoing process requires ongoing participation in organizations.

• Remote Workplaces Are Compliant:

Remote workforces are gaining popularity, but HIPAA compliance remains a challenge. Ensuring PII protection and protecting equipment against loss or theft are key challenges. Understanding obligations is crucial for compliance.

• Regularly monitor your system for signs of HIPAA violations:

Regularly monitor your system for HIPAA violations, tracking access, data sharing, and policy changes. If a violation is detected, take action, contact responsible parties, privacy officer, or HHS.

• Regularly review and update your HIPAA policies and procedures:

Regularly reviewing and updating your organization’s HIPAA policies and procedures ensures compliance with the latest regulations. HIPAA training can help employees understand and follow these policies, ensuring your system remains compliant with HIPAA laws.

Conclusion

These seven HIPAA tips ensure compliance with regulations, including regular policy reviews, employee compliance, and HIPAA training. Regular updates and training ensure protection from potential violations.