HIPAA Security Rule

Subscribe to HIPAA Security Rule via RSS

On March 3, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”) signaled to covered entities of all sizes that they need to take their HIPAA obligations seriously.  OCR entered into a settlement and corrective action plan with a small physician practice for $100,000 to settle alleged violations of the HIPAA Security Rule.  This enforcement action is an example of OCR enforcing HIPAA’s requirements on smaller covered entities.  OCR specifically noted that this practice sees approximately 3,000 patients per year.
Continue Reading A Reminder That Covered Entities Of All Sizes Need To Comply With HIPAA Security Rule

More than three years ago, Anthem, Inc. reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) that it suffered a cyber attack compromising the protected health information of nearly 79 million individuals. This breach continues to be the largest breach of protected health information to date.  Yesterday, OCR announced its record-breaking $16 million settlement with Anthem related to the massive breach. 
Continue Reading Anthem Agrees to Pay Largest HIPAA Settlement at $16M for Massive Breach

Yesterday, OCR announced its $3.5 million settlement with Fresenius Medical Care Holdings (“Fresenius”) to resolve alleged HIPAA violations.  While the large settlement figure alone is eye-catching, the underlying facts require the complete attention of HIPAA covered entities.  OCR is sending a message about HIPAA Security Rule compliance.

Five Fresenius entities in five different states suffered five completely separate but relatively common breaches.  Each breach involved stolen or missing equipment.  No one breach involved records of more than 500 patients.  In fact, combined, the total number of patients impacted was 521.  As a reminder, the $5.5 million settlement this time last year with Memorial Health Care System involved the records of 115,143 individuals.
Continue Reading $3.5 M OCR Settlement for Five Breaches Affecting Fewer Than 500 Patients Each