Over the past few years, Remote work has become more prevalent, significantly altering the traditional workplace. Office closures and the adoption of telecommuting or remote work policies were widespread in the United States after the COVID-19 outbreak. Some workers have returned to the office, but many more are still doing their jobs outside the workplace. This change has introduced new HIPAA Compliance challenges for Telehealth services.

Advantages

Data breaches can be avoided or reduced if remote workers are held to the same standards as office workers. HIPAA recommends that covered entities and business partners who work remotely use secure remote access software for storing and monitoring ePHI. These are the advantages of HIPAA Compliance in remote work.

• Get customized solutions
• Provide telehealth services
• End-to-End encryption
• HIPAA Compliant Messaging
• Reduced Legal Risk
• Patient consent for telehealth
• Provide consistent security
• Data encryption standards
• Use of Versatile applications

How to Maintain HIPAA Compliance When Working From a Distance

It is essential to remember that remote work policies do not automatically constitute an unauthorized violation of any of the HIPAA guidelines. 

Even before the pandemic made remote work necessary, this was a reality. However, HIPAA compliance in remote work environments requires additional measures and concerns.

Restricting Access for Workers

Managing who has access to sensitive information is crucial for HIPAA compliance when working remotely. Employees shouldn’t have access to protected materials or patient data unless they perform work that requires it. Because of this restriction, the likelihood of a widespread security breach is greatly diminished.

Secure Access with VPNs, Strong Passwords, and Multi-Factor Authentication

Using the proper means of communication is essential. Sensitive information should not be transmitted via social media or other open-source platforms but rather via those that are HIPAA-compliant.

Protected Health Information (PHI) and patient data must be kept safe by using sophisticated privacy measures in the chosen communication tools.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA), Strong Passwords, and a Virtual Private Network (VPN) are all great ways to keep your account safe.

Keeping access protected is of utmost importance. It all starts with a strong password. 

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) should also be used by staff to increase login security. 

Using Appropriate Tools

Tools and apps can be used to implement multi-factor authentication like-

• Google Authenticator 
• Telecommuting Devices
• Secure VPN
• End-to-End Encryption
• HIPAA Compliant Messaging

Virtual private networks (VPNs) might be mandated for use by staff members to increase overall safety. By creating an encrypted private network within a company, Secure VPN further protects information while in transit.

Use Encryption for Your Data

End-to-end encryption is essential to safeguarding sensitive data like Protected Health Information (PHI). Data encryption standards are a mechanism used to prevent unauthorized parties from accessing sensitive information.

Methods for Improving HIPAA Compliance in IT Departments

IT departments play an essential part in improving HIPAA compliance in telecommuting settings by using Telecommuting devices. Setting up a VPN connection is a necessary first move.

• All off-site hardware must use the VPN, which must be kept up-to-date and closely monitored to guarantee security. 

• To avoid congestion, Secure VPN should be tested frequently, especially after adding new devices or user accounts for employees.

• Not only should distant devices have VPN connectivity, but they should also have up-to-date antivirus and firewall software with automatic updates.
• In order to further strengthen security, IT departments can require multi-factor authentication when accessing data from remote devices.

Keeping Confidential Information Safe: The Role of Employees

All employees must do their part to protect sensitive patient information. Specific steps can be taken to safeguard patients’ medical records.

• Protect sensitive information by encrypting and password-protecting all devices.
• Connect only from secure, password-protected routers and modems.
• Please encrypt all forms containing sensitive information before submitting them.
• Avoid printing PHI; maintain it securely and shred it when no longer needed.
• If you really must send Protected Health Information (PHI) over email, you should encrypt the message.
• When storing sensitive information, only use external storage devices sanctioned by the IT department.
• Employees, whether they are at an actual workplace or working remotely, must comply with HIPAA compliance. These standards can be easily implemented across all gadgets, and they improve the safety of remote workplaces. Keeping up with HIPAA regulations as the nature of work changes is important for protecting patients’ privacy and sensitive information.

Wrapping It Up

It is necessary to keep the same standards for data security and privacy that are required in normal healthcare settings as remote work and telehealth services become more popular. Remote workers can protect the privacy and security of patient information by following HIPAA’s rules and adopting secure access and communication procedures. HIPAA Compliance in remote work is vital for protecting patients’ personal information and making sure sensitive medical data is sent and stored safely, even in online environments.

The post How to Follow HIPAA Rules When Working From Home? appeared first on MegaMinds Technologies.