Overview:
HHS and CMS have confirmed the requirement that all Emails and Text Messages containing Protected Health Information (PHI) must be encrypted.
There is only one exception. Patients have the absolute
right to communicate with Covered Entities by unencrypted email and text
message - if the patients have been informed there is some level of
risk and prefer using unencrypted electronic transmissions.
It
also will explain when Emails and Text Messages containing PHI must be
encrypted and the simple 3 Step HIPAA Safeguard that fully protects
Covered Entities from HIPAA violations when communicating with patients
by unencrypted email and text message - even if the unencrypted
transmission is intercepted.
Regular (unencrypted) Email and
Text Messaging are effective engagement and communication tools for
routine communications like appointment reminders. Patients like and
have the right to use them.
The Internet is awash with
misinformation about Health Care Email and Text Messaging that can get
Covered Entities into serious trouble. Part of the problem is a common
misunderstanding of how HIPAA defines PHI. It's much more than
information about an individual's medical condition, prescribed
treatment, diagnosis, or medications as the webinar will explain.
On
April 1, 2021, the U. S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous ‘blockbuster’
decision about the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) that
affects Health Care text messaging. The webinar will cover that decision
and explain why it did not give blanket permission to text patients.
HIPAA - and the 3-Step Safeguard are still in full force and effect.
The
key takeaway is how Covered Entities can protect themselves fully from
HIPAA violations and comply with the patient's right to receive
unencrypted Emails and Texts containing PHI. Just a simple 3 Step
Safeguard is all that is needed.
Why you should Attend:
You will find out how to use and document the 3 Step Safeguard to
protect your organization when communicating with patients by regular
Email and Text Message. The 3 Step Safeguard is a complete "Safe Harbor"
from HIPAA violations and exposure to unquestionable, serious Risks if
you don't take advantage of this safeguard.
Areas Covered in the Session:
- Brief review of HIPAA and the unanimous Supreme Court TCPA decision
- How HIPAA defines PHI - it's not just medical information about, for example, a diagnosis, surgical procedure or prescription
- A Patient’s absolute right to receive PHI by standard (unencrypted) Email & Text Message
- The
simple 3 Step HIPAA Safeguard that protects Covered Entities from HIPAA
violations when complying with patient right to communicate by
standard, unencrypted Email and Text Message
- When Covered Entities must encrypt Emails and Text Messages
Who Will Benefit:
Health Care Covered Entities
- Health Care Providers
- Clinics
- Hospitals
- Health Care Practices of all types and sizes
- Physical, Occupational and Behavioral Therapists
- Health Plans
- Group Health Plan Administrators
- Third Party Group Health Plan Administrators
- Health Plan Administrators
- Personnel
- Executive Management - all Covered Entities
- Compliance Committee - Covered Entity Board of Trustees
- Practice Managers - Covered Entities
- Chief Compliance Officer - all Covered Entities
- HIPAA Compliance Officials - Privacy and Security
- Patient Engagement and Marketing Specialists
- Patient Outreach Coordinators
- Risk Managers
- Covered Entity Owners and Senior Management
- Compliance Committee - Physician, Practitioner-owned Covered Entities
- Attorneys for Covered Entities - In-house and Outside Counsel
Vendors and Business Associates
- Vendors of Email and Text Message patient engagement services
- Billing companies
- Collection Agencies
- Practice Management companies
- Vendors of patient satisfaction surveys using Email and Text Messages
- Health Care Marketing Consultants
- Health Care Compliance Consultants
- Law Firms