HIPAA and Potential Violations
HIPAA applies to “covered entities” which include health plans, healthcare providers that transmit health information electronically, and healthcare clearinghouses. The Act mandates these entities to protect the privacy of an individual’s health information (protected health information or PHI). Examples of PHI include medical history, test results, diagnoses, and treatment details.
HIPAA violations can involve:
- Unauthorized access or disclosure of PHI: This includes sharing PHI without a patient’s written authorization or exposing it through unsecured means.
- Lack of proper safeguards: Inadequate security measures for protecting PHI, like weak passwords or unencrypted storage, can be a violation.
- Failure to provide patients with a Notice of Privacy Practices: Covered entities are required to inform individuals about their privacy rights regarding their PHI.
Where to Report a HIPAA Violation in US ?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) safeguards the privacy of individuals’ health information. A crucial aspect of this act is ensuring individuals have avenues to report suspected violations. This article outlines the primary channels for reporting potential HIPAA violations in the United States.