In the first HIPAA legal case against an individual, a former UCLA Medical Center researcher was sentenced on April 27 to four months in federal prison for looking at the confidential medical records of co-workers and celebrities such as Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

This is certainly evidence that the government is going to take the enforcement of HIPAA violations seriously. In addition, because the new rules related to HIPAA and the HITECH Act hold individuals responsible, the responsibility for protecting patient information becomes even more crucial.

Be sure your systems have the ability to provide audit trails, and be sure those audit trails are periodically reviewed for unauthorized access.

Training of all staff is critical here. The researcher’s defense is that he did not know this was a federal offense and that no reasonable person would have understood this. Training of staff so that they fully understand the consequences of their actions is critical in being able to show that you have met your responsibilities under the law.

The week of May 17-22 is Medical Transcriptionist Week, honoring those folks who play an important role in the delivery of healthcare documentation.

In honor of that week, we are offering a 10% discount on all HIPAA materials and training courses. The courses offer someone for everyone, so take a look and get signed up for the one that best meets your needs. For employers, there is also a discount for groups of 10 or more.

This discount ends May 22, so don't delay and be sure you get signed up before it expires.

The third week in May is designated as Medical Transcriptionist Week, by proclamation signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1985. It's hard to believe that was 25 years ago.

Medical transcriptionists (MTs) play an important role in telling the patient's story and this year's theme for the week is "Capturing America's Healthcare Story: Why We Matter." MTs are often so behind the scenes in the healthcare documentation process that they aren't recognized. Take a minute this week to do something to recognize the MTs in your life and in your work place.

In honor of MT Week, we are offering a 10% discount on early registration for our HIPAA and HITECH training courses that are coming in June. Register now, perhaps even given this as a gift for someone during MT Week.

To those who are MTs, celebrate who you are this week and the value you bring to the healthcare delivery system. It is YOUR week, be proud and enjoy it!

HIPAA requires training in privacy and security for everyone, and now you can meet that obligation here. The first HIPAA and HITECH Act training courses will start on June 14, 2010. Whether you are an independent business owner, an independent contractor, a business associate, a covered entity, or simply someone who would like a general overview of the HIPAA and HITECT Act laws, there is a course designed for you.

In addition to the courses being offered, you will also find sample policies and procedures. If you are struggling with what to do about creating the policies and procedures that that law now requires you to have, these are customizable to your business setting.

Discounts!
Registration is now open for these courses. In honor of Medical Transcriptionist Week, which is May 16-22, we will offer a 10% discount for anyone registering before May 22. After that date, the regular prices will apply.

Don't delay in being sure that you have the necessary training and documentation that you have completed this training. Sign up today for one of our courses and join us in June! Be sure to sign up by May 22 to receive your discount.

One of the biggest challenges for many of us is doing the required risk analysis that is in the HIPAA Security Rule. The industry has struggled with how to conduct this, what to cover, and how to document it. This past week the Office of Civil Rights has issues a draft guidance document about the risk analysis required by the security rule.

The document is titled "HIPAA Security Standards: Guidance on Risk Analysis" and should be reviewed if you still have not conducted your risk analysis.

The OCR is tasked with issuing annual guidance related to the security rule. Following these guidelines as they are issued will help you stay on top of what you should be doing to be compliant.

Have you conducted your risk analysis? If not, now is the time!