Health Information Privacy Rights
What privacy rights do you have with your own personal health information? This a common question with a not-so-simple answer. Any health-related information that could potentially identify an individual (and which there is a reasonable basis to believe so) is considered private health information. A number of things are important in relation to health information;... Continue readingNew CMIA Law Strengthens CA Medical Privacy
The state of California is no different than other states when it comes to existing loopholes in federal laws and regulations. These loopholes continue to allow for breaches of patient health information (PHI). Common ways that patient information has been leaked are from the Explanation of Benefits letters and communications from Health Insurance plans. Each state... Continue readingHow to Dispose of PHI Data
The HIPAA privacy and security rules require certain steps be taken during the destruction or removal of PHI (protected health information). These portions of the act mandate "reasonable safeguards to limit incidental, and avoid prohibited, uses and disclosures of PHI." What this means is that if HIPAA data is left in a trash can or an old hard drive that is replaced and discarded, HIPAA is violated.HIPAA Hosting Price Comparisons
When choosing a HIPAA hosting plan, the difference in price between providers (and different plans offered by the same provider) is often driven by the features offered in that hosting environment. Not every hosting environment is the same. In fact, no two are exactly alike. Aside from the absolute minimum amenities required by HIPAA, every host is obliged to offer a variety of options to fit a variety of implementations.
