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In a previous article, Small Healthcare Providers and HIPAA Compliance, it was noted that many small to mid-sized healthcare offices are less likely to appoint a HIPAA Privacy Officer and a HIPAA Security Officer. Part of the challenge is that privacy and security officers are hard to find across many sectors. The healthcare industry, requiring candidates with in-depth knowledge of HIPAA and HITECH, can make filling the position even more difficult. However, as HIPAA rules and technology continue to evolve, this is one area where adhering to the HIPAA mandate can keep smaller offices from experiencing a privacy breach.
Understanding the responsibilities of each officer can help smaller organizations find existing or new employees who may fit the requirements with little or no additional training.
According to the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), a privacy officer’s responsibilities include:
AHIMA describes the responsibility of a HIPAA Security Officer as one who:
It’s important to note that if one individual meets the requirements of both officers it is acceptable for one person to perform both roles. However, many smaller offices tend to appoint an existing office or billing manager to the privacy and security position. In doing that, one or more privacy and security duties may not be performed adequately. So, it is okay for some work to be delegated to others if the privacy and security officer makes sure that the work is carried out properly.
For assistance from an I. T. security standpoint, a HIPAA knowledgeable I.T. professional can help. Data Fast Solutions has been providing HIPAA I.T. services in the Dallas Fort Worth area for many years. If you have any questions about your information technology and HIPAA compliance, contact Data Fast Solutions today!
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