Question

Examine some of the functions for healthcare information technology departments for compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Explain five types of HIPAA-related data that may be monitored by a healthcare information technology department and why it must be monitored.

Answer 1

Some of the functions for healthcare information technology departments for compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) are protection of data related to patients. It provides the guidelines of sharing of personal health information related to patients. For HIPAA compliance, the information technology departments needs to use measures as per HIPAA guidelines to secure patient health information. They need to provide effective training to their staff and maintenance of their systems. The departments need to update the patient information related to their health records and advise them on the disclosure of information related to their Personal Health records to external agencies.

Five types of HIPAA related data that maybe monitored by a healthcare information technology department include the accessibility by staff , how they are accessing and who is accessing. The other type of data to be monitored is the transactions related to the Patient health information. The contracts with the service provider agencies who are working with healthcare providers are monitored for compliance with HIPAA rules. Updating of  patient health information recorded and maintained as per the required structure. The security measures used by the organization to protect the information.