Compliance with the Privacy and Security Rules of HIPAA is not easy. However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights’ (OCR) website is an excellent resource for materials to educate covered entities and business associates on their obligations under HIPAA and how to implement effective measures to comply with such obligations. OCR has posted on its website a series of six factsheets on HIPAA. While these factsheets are aimed at educating consumers on their rights under HIPAA, providers can also use these educational materials to assist in their compliance efforts, including the training and education of their employees. The materials are available on OCR’s website at:
http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/consumers.
OCR has also posted a video entitled The HIPAA Security Rule to assist small providers, such as small physician practices and surgery centers, in their compliance with the requirements of the Security Rule. The video is available on the HHS OCR YouTube Channel at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/USGovHHSOCR.
Finally, OCR has also launched three modules through Medscape for health care providers on compliance with various aspects of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules. You must sign up for a free account with Medscape in order to access the videos. Each of the modules is a great resource for covered entities and business associates. Below is a list of the modules along with a link to access each module.
Patient Privacy: A Guide for Providers
http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/781892?src=ocr
HIPAA and You: Building a Culture of Compliance
http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/762170?src=ocr
Examining Compliance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule
http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/763251?src=ocr
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