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New HIPAA Regulations 2023-2024: What You Need to Know
Date: 2024/08/14
Training | 5 MIN READ
Staying Ahead of HIPAA
As we move through 2024, HIPAA continues to evolve with new regulations that impact covered entities and business associates. It is important to note these HIPAA changes because not knowing about them does not excuse a violation. HIPAA has also announced plans to ask Congress to increase fines for non-compliance, and no one wants to face hefty penalties.
Key Updates in 2024: If a HIPAA-covered entity wants to share information about a patient's SUD treatment, they can do so as long as it's allowed under the HIPAA Privacy Rule.
In February 2024, the HHS updated rules about how patient information is handled. They wanted to be sure that similar rules were in place for regular medical records and records about people with substance use disorders (SUD).
Here’s what changed:
- If a HIPAA-covered entity wants to share information about a patient's SUD treatment, they can do so as long as it's allowed under the HIPAA Privacy Rule.
- The notices that patients with SUD receive about their privacy rights will now be the same as the notices all other patients receive.
- If there is a data breach, the notifications required will now follow the same rules as the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule.
What the Key Updates Mean
These changes make the rules for handling and protecting patient information more consistent, ensuring that patients’ privacy is protected. The new rules not only affect how patient rights are protected under the Privacy Rule but also how security is maintained under the Security Rule.
Specifically, the changes affect how healthcare providers must protect patients' privacy rights, ensuring that their PHI is handled properly. They also impact the security measures that healthcare providers must take, especially when it comes to assessing and managing risks to electronic PHI.
The HHS’ Office for Civil Rights has clarified that it is a HIPAA violation to deny patients access to their health information via an app unless the healthcare provider can prove that allowing access would pose a risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the electronic PHI.
Technical Requirements and Automated Compliance
To meet the technical requirements of HIPAA, organizations must implement security measures, conduct regular risk assessments, and ensure all electronic PHI is protected. Automated compliance solutions can streamline this process by continuously monitoring for compliance and providing real-time alerts for potential issues.
Navigating HIPAA Compliance
Navigating the complexities of HIPAA regulations requires staying informed about new rules and leveraging technology for automated compliance. By understanding and implementing the latest HIPAA controls and technical requirements, healthcare organizations can better protect patient data and avoid violations.
For more detailed information, you can read the full article here.
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