HIPAA Security Rule Requires a Contingency Plan
The HIPAA Security Rule mandates that every covered entity is required to follow the Contingency Plan Standard must determine its risk in the event of an emergency that would result in a loss of operations. Those who have not taken steps to meet the Safeguards, Standards, and Implementation Specifications outlined in HIPAA are vulnerable to potential civil and criminal penalties.
The Contingency Plan Standard is one security rule required by HIPAA. Under this standard, all covered entities must establish and implement policies and procedures for responding to emergencies or other occurrences which could damage systems containing electronic protected health information (EPHI). Understanding the detailed rules and regulations of contingency planning can be overwhelming. For example, there are some specifications which are required and others which are recommended. Misinterpreting the information can lead to non-compliance and ultimately can take money out of your pocket.
Subsequent to disseminating the information and understanding the requirements, another daunting task approaches. The next step is to establish and implement a plan to satisfy the requirements. Contingency plans could range from simple manual processes to highly complex automated procedures. As each business is unique, a contingency plan must be specific to the nature and configuration of a practice.
Healthcare DPS removes the complexity of contingency planning and provides a blueprint for responding to emergencies. By addressing all the components required and suggested by HIPAA through a review and analysis of each organization, Healthcare DPS devises customized plans that define procedures tailored specifically to your practice, whether it is small or large.
For more information regarding Simplified Contingency Plans or the difference between required & recommended implementation specifications, visit Contingency Planning http://www.healthcaredps.com/contingency-planning.html