It is all too common for HIPAA violations to occur. More often, violations could be avoided if the correct steps are in place, saving a practice tens of thousands of dollars. Dental practices are also subject to HIPAA and are currently being hit hard with violations. Every practice can learn from others’ mistakes.
What Happened?
According to HIPAA Journal, the United States Department for Health and Human Services (HHS) announced three more settlements with dental practices regarding HIPAA violations. The goal is to help individuals have access to HIPAA. Under the privacy rule, individuals can access their protected health information within 30 days. The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) has filed 41 settlements of this nature.
The Details of the Settlement
The most recent settlements involved three dental practices across the country. Like so many covered entities, all three failed to allow patients to access their PHI during the allotted time. Each practice will pay between $30,000 and $80,000 in fines and penalties to OCR. They also must submit a corrective action plan (CAP) that will need to be approved by OCR. Due to the CAP, the practices must revise and turn their policies and procedures into HIPAA training materials. They must also provide annual training for employees.
The Lesson
Recent enforcement initiatives about access to Protectedl Health Information (PHI) focus on providers and health plans, including third-party associates or business associates. Access rights to PHI are in the top five most common HIPAA violations. Entities should ensure that they have steps in place to prevent a violation of this nature.
It is up to each provider to set their guidelines on how HIPAA requirements will be maintained. Complying with all requirements can be complex and time-consuming. To avoid HIPAA violations, a company such as Carosh Compliance Solutions can be beneficial.
Resources:
If you want to make sure your practice is HIPAA compliant visit: HIPAA Diagnostic® – Carosh Compliance Solutions
Sources:
“OCR Announces Dental Practice Settlements Under HIPAA Individual Access Provision.” Lexology, 3 Jan. 2023, www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=5a521616-7601-40a7-b2ab-40d852bc561b. Accessed 5 Jan. 2023.
