Get ready for the next phase of HIPAA audits with insights from McKnights and BlueOrange Compliance.
The healthcare industry is preparing for a renewed wave of HIPAA audits. Nicholas Heester, senior advisor for cybersecurity at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR), recently announced plans to reinitiate audits, which will assess the compliance of healthcare providers with cybersecurity and patient privacy regulations. This shift comes in response to a November report from the HHS Inspector General calling for enhanced audit measures.
BlueOrange Compliance was honored to be consulted by McKnights Long-Term Care News, a trusted publication in the long-term care space, to provide insights into this development. In the article, CEO, John DiMaggio, shared expertise on how providers can proactively prepare for these audits and the increasing cybersecurity threats facing the industry. Read the full article on McKnights.
Why The New Healthcare Audits Matter
The upcoming audits highlight the growing need for healthcare providers to prioritize patient data security. With more sophisticated cyberattacks targeting even smaller organizations, readiness is crucial.
The audits are expected to evaluate several key areas, including:
- Risk analysis and risk management plans
- Physical and technical safeguards in place
- Handling of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence
- Compliance activities following previous findings
As Heester noted, patient privacy is a responsibility for all healthcare providers, regardless of size or complexity.
Challenges for Long-Term Care Providers
John DiMaggio emphasized that long-term care providers are especially vulnerable as their technology stacks grow and the number of business associates handling sensitive data increases. Cyber threats like phishing scams and ransomware can exploit these expanded “attack surfaces.”
Recent statistics underline the urgency:
- Between 2016 and 2022, OCR reported a 10% increase in smaller breaches (fewer than 500 individuals).
- Larger breaches affecting 500+ individuals surged by 87% during the same period.
This demonstrates that no organization is too small to be targeted or affected by cyber threats.
How to Prepare for HIPAA Audits
To succeed in these audits and safeguard patient data, healthcare providers should:
- Conduct comprehensive risk analyses: Go beyond simple “heatmaps” to identify and address vulnerabilities.
- Engage in continuous compliance efforts: Participate in programs like the HHS 405(d) framework to access tailored resources and demonstrate proactive compliance.
- Maintain an active cybersecurity plan: Regularly update technology, scan for vulnerabilities, and ensure all staff are well-trained on data protection protocols.
- Partner with experts: Collaborate with organizations like BlueOrange Compliance to ensure all compliance requirements are met and exceeded.
For more details, check out the full McKnights article.
Get Help from Compliance Experts
This is a pivotal moment for the healthcare sector to strengthen its defenses against growing cybersecurity threats. BlueOrange Compliance stands ready to help your organization navigate HIPAA requirements with expert guidance and practical solutions.
For more information on how we can assist your compliance and cybersecurity efforts, contact us at sales@blueorangecompliance.com.
