Are you aware of the latest developments regarding GDPR compliance requirements? If not, don’t worry it’s a bit daunting as GDPR is such a complex and evolving law. It’s all about protecting data that gives customers control over their personal information as well as ensuring safe storage of all data that is digital. It doesn’t matter if you’re just beginning to learn about GDPR or looking to learn more about what it requires from businesses around the world.
HIPAA and GDPR are two acronyms healthcare providers and businesses handling personal data must be familiar with. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a US law that governs the disclosure and use of patient’s personal health information. GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is a law of the European Union (EU) that is applicable to all companies handling personal information that are the property of EU residents. While each regulation may have its own goals, all regulations have the same goal: to safeguard the privacy of personal information and security.
Important reasons for being HIPAA and GDPR compliant
Many reasons make compliance with HIPAA/GDPR is crucial. It guards sensitive information against unauthorised access, disclosure, or misuse. For instance, healthcare organizations manage sensitive medical data that could be used to perpetrate identity theft or fraud. Businesses that handle personal details like names, addresses and email addresses are subject to GDPR. This is the case regardless of whether it is used for identity theft, fraud, or for phishing.
Additionally, the regulations must be adhered to. HIPAA regulations apply to health care providers, health insurance plans, or even healthcare clearinghouses. If you violate HIPAA rules could result in criminal and civil penalties as well as the damage to a healthcare provider’s reputation. The GDPR also applies to all businesses handling personal data of EU residents regardless of the company’s place of operation. Infractions can lead to hefty fines and legal action.
By observing these regulations, you can build trust with customers and patients. Patients and customers expect their personal information will be treated in a safe manner and with respect. In compliance with HIPAA or GDPR rules will demonstrate that the business cares about security and privacy of data.
HIPAA and GDPR Compliance The Key Requirements
The business community should be aware of the fact that HIPAA regulations as well as GDPR regulations contain many regulations. HIPAA covers covered entities that need to protect electronic protected health information (ePHI) from misuse, access, destruction or disclosure. This means that they must implement physical, technical and administrative safeguards that ensure that ePHI is protected from unauthorized access to, use, or disclosure. To address security breaches and incidents, covered entities must implement policies and procedures.
Businesses must seek explicit consent from the individuals they serve to collect and use their personal data under GDPR. Consent must be given completely, without ambiguity written in writing and in a specific manner. The business must also provide the individual with access to their personal data to rectify and delete those under GDPR. Companies must also take the necessary organizational and technical steps to ensure the security of personal information.
HIPAA and GDPR Compliance: Best Practices
Businesses should use best practices for protecting personal information and adhere to HIPAA regulations. Best practices include:
Analyzing the risks: Companies must conduct periodic risk assessments in order to determine the security, integrity, or accessibility of personal information. This can help you recognize security weaknesses and establish the right security measures.
Establishing access controls: Only authorized personnel should have access to personal data. This can include strong passwords as well as multi-factor authentication. Access controls should be based on the least privilege.
Training employees: Regular training should be offered to employees on privacy issues. This will help prevent accidental and deliberate data breach.
Implementing plans for responding to incidents Business should be prepared to handle potential security incidents and breaches. This might include the creation of a response team and regularly communicating with them.
HIPAA and GDPR compliance is crucial for businesses that handle personal data. These laws are intended to shield sensitive information from improper access, disclosure or misuse. They also show the importance of data security and privacy. Businesses can be compliant with these regulations by implementing best practices , such as conducting risk assessments, establishing access controls, educating employees, or creating plan for response to an incident.
For more information, click HIPAA Compliance News and Advice