Are you in compliance with GDPR compliance requirements? If not, you’re fine. it’s a bit daunting as GDPR is such a complex and continually evolving law. It’s all about protecting your data. It is about providing customers with control over their personal information , and also ensuring secure storage of personal data. It doesn’t matter if are just beginning to comprehend GDPR, or if you would like to know more about the requirements for organizations across the globe.
HIPAA and GDPR are two acronyms healthcare providers and businesses that handle personal information should be familiar with. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is an US law that governs the disclosure and use of patient’s health information. GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is a regulation by the European Union (EU) that covers all businesses that handle personal data of EU residents. While these laws may have different objectives however they all have the same goal: protecting the privacy and security of personal information.
Important reasons to comply with GDPR and HIPAA
In many ways, the compliance with HIPAA/GDPR requirements is vital. It protects sensitive data against unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. For example, healthcare professionals may have sensitive medical information that could be used to perpetrate medical fraud or identity theft. Businesses that handle personal details like addresses, names and email addresses, are subject to GDPR. This applies whether the data is used for identity theft, fraud, or for phishing.
These regulations are legally binding. HIPAA regulations are applicable to covered entities , such as health care providers, health plans, as well as healthcare clearinghouses. HIPAA violations can lead to criminal and civil penalties and damage to a health provider’s reputation. The GDPR also applies to all businesses that handle personal data of EU residents, regardless of the business’s location. Infractions could result in severe fines or legal action.
These regulations are important in helping build trust between customers and patients. Patients and customers expect privacy and security in handling their personal data. Being in compliance with HIPAA or GDPR rules will demonstrate that the company is serious regarding data security and privacy.
HIPAA and GDPR Compliance Essential Requirements
Companies should be aware that HIPAA regulations and GDPR regulations are brimming with obligations. For HIPAA covered entities, covered entities must protect the confidentiality, integrity and accessibility of electronic protected health information (ePHI). This means implementing administrative, physical and technological safeguards that safeguard ePHI from any unauthorized access to, use or disclosure. For security breaches that could lead to incidents the covered entity must have policies and procedures in their place.
GDPR demands that individuals provide explicit consent for businesses to collect and processing their personal data. Consent must be freely provided in a specific and clear manner. It must also not be unclear. GDPR requires that companies offer individuals the right to access, rectify, and erase their personal information. Additionally, companies must take the required organizational and technical measures to ensure the security of personal information.
HIPAA Compliance and GDPR Best practices for compliance
Companies should follow best practices for protecting personal data as well as comply with HIPAA regulations. Here are some most effective practices:
Conducting risk assessments: Companies need to evaluate regularly the risks to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of personal data. This could help in identifying potential vulnerabilities and implement appropriate safeguards.
Set up access controls only authorized employees should have access to personal data. This includes implementing secure passwords, multi-factor authentication, and access controls in accordance with the principle of most privilege.
Employees who train: Employees must receive regular education regarding data privacy and security. This could help avoid accidental or deliberate data breach.
Plan for the response to an incident: Companies should have plans to handle potential security breaches and incidents. This might include the creation of a response team and communicating regularly with them.
Companies that handle personal information are required to adhere to HIPAA compliance and GDPR. The regulations were created to shield sensitive information from unauthorised access, disclosure or misuse. They also demonstrate the company’s commitment to data security and privacy. Businesses can be compliant with the regulations by adopting best practices , such as conducting risk assessments, establishing access controls, training employees, and creating emergency response plans.
For more information, click HIPAA Compliance News and Advice