Are you up-to-date on GDPR compliance rules? It’s not required however, it’s possible to be intimidated by the complex and changing GDPR legislation. It’s focused on protecting data. This includes providing customers with control over their personal information and ensuring safe storage of digital data. You may be just starting with GDPR or are looking to find out more about what it requires from corporations around the world.
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and GDPR (Global Data Protection Regulations) are two words that healthcare professionals and companies who handle personal information must be aware of. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), is an US law that regulates the sharing and processing of patient’s personal health information. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDR) is an EU regulation that affects all businesses that handle personal information from EU citizens. Although they might have different reasons, they all have the same aim: safeguard the privacy of personal information and security.
Why HIPAA and GDPR Compliance is Important
Conformity with HIPAA and GDPR are important due to a variety of reasons. First, it safeguards private information from unauthorized access and disclosure, as well as misuse and modification. Healthcare organizations, for instance are responsible for handling sensitive medical information which could be used to commit identity fraud or theft of medical information. GDPR pertains to businesses handling personal data such as names, addresses, email addresses, and other information that could be used for identity theft, scams, or fraud.
These regulations are legally binding. HIPAA regulations cover those covered by the law, such as healthcare providers, health plans or even healthcare clearinghouses. HIPAA violations can lead to civil penalties, criminal charges and damage to a health provider’s reputation. The GDPR is also applicable to all companies that handle the personal data of EU residents, regardless of location. Infractions could result in severe fines or legal action.
Also, adhering to these regulations can help establish trust with customers and patients. Patients and patients want to know that their personal information will be treated in a safe manner and in a respectful manner. In compliance with HIPAA or GDPR regulations will show that the business cares regarding data security and privacy.
HIPAA Compliance and GDPR Compliance: Essential Requirements
Businesses should be aware that HIPAA regulations as well as GDPR regulations contain many regulations. For HIPAA covered entities, they have to guarantee the integrity, confidentiality and availability of electronic protected health information (ePHI). This means that covered entities have to implement technical, administrative and physical security measures to ensure that no one is unauthorized has access information, use, disclosure or misuse of the information. For security breaches that could lead to incidents, all covered entities should have policies and procedures in put.
To comply with GDPR, businesses need to obtain explicit consent from individuals for the collection and processing of their personal data. Consent should be freely given in a specific and clear manner. The consent must not be vague. The GDPR also demands that businesses offer individuals the right to inspect, rectify and delete their personal information. To protect personal data companies must implement appropriate technical and organizational measures.
HIPAA and GDPR Compliance Best Practices
Businesses must follow the best practices to protect personal data and ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations. A few best practices are:
Conducting risk assessments: Companies should regularly assess the risks to the integrity, confidentiality and availability of personal data. This will allow you to identify the weaknesses and set up the right security measures.
Implementing access control: Only authorized personnel should have access to personal information. This could mean strong passwords as well as multi-factor authentication. Access controls should be based upon the lowest privilege.
Employees who train: Regular training should be offered to employees about data privacy. This will help prevent accidental and deliberate data leaks.
Implementing incident response plans Businesses must have plans in place to handle potential security incidents and breaches. This could include setting up a response team and regularly communicating with them.
HIPAA and GDPR compliance is essential for companies handling personal information. The regulations were created to guard sensitive data from improper access, disclosure or misuse. They also show the company’s commitment to data security and privacy. Companies can comply with these rules by implementing the best practices such as conducting risk assessments, setting up access controls, educating employees, or implementing the plans for responding to incidents.
For more information, click HIPAA compliance