When talking HIPAA privacy and security, the numbers do most of the talking.
Take 29.3 million, for instance, the number of patient health records compromised in a HIPAA data breach since 2009, or 138 percent, the percent jump in the number of health records breached just from 2012. And then there’s the cost of data breaches, which averaged $5.6 million per incident in 2013.
These are some pretty scary statistics, but what do they mean for you and your organization? Are you prepared to deal with a HIPAA data breach?
If you answered “no” to either of these questions, then you need to brush up on your HIPAA privacy and security knowledge. Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know about HIPAA data breaches.
What is a HIPAA Data Breach?
A HIPAA data breach is defined as “the unauthorized acquisition, access, use, or disclosure of protected health information (PHI) that compromises the security or privacy of such information.” In other words, it’s a situation in which patient health information is unlawfully accessed and/or used.
There are four main ways that a HIPAA data breach can occur:
1. Hacking/IT Incidents
This is when someone uses unauthorized means to gain access to PHI, usually via the internet.
2. Physical Theft
This is when PHI is stolen from a physical location, such as a office or hospital.
3. Unauthorized Disclosure
This is when PHI is inadvertently or purposefully disclosed to someone who is not authorized to have it.
4. Loss or Improper Disposal
This is when PHI is lost or disposed of improperly, such as in a dumpster or on the side of the road.
Conclusion:
HIPAA data breaches are a serious matter, and they can have far-reaching consequences for both patients and healthcare organizations. If you suspect that a HIPAA data breach has occurred, it’s important to take immediate action to mitigate the damage and prevent further breaches from occurring. For more information on how to do this, contact us.
Read more on Healthcare IT news: http://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/hipaa-data-breaches-climb-138-percent