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Technology has become more important for hospitals and other healthcare providers in the modern day to handle patient data and deliver effective treatment efficiently. The security and privacy of patient information have always been a top priority for healthcare institutions, but with the development of cyber threats, this has become even more crucial.
Choosing a reliable HIPAA-compliant hosting service is an excellent first step. This article will explain why hospitals should purchase a HIPAA-compliant host and the advantages of doing so.
What is HIPAA-Compliant Hosting?
Web hosting services that are HIPAA compliant are built to adhere to the stringent privacy and security standards mandated by HIPAA laws. Firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and data encryption are only some security measures offered by a HIPAA-compliant host.
To aid healthcare firms in compliance with HIPAA regulations, a HIPAA-compliant host conducts routine security risk assessments and provides around-the-clock technical support.
Why Hospitals Should Invest in a HIPAA Compliant Host
- Protect Sensitive Patient Data:
Investment in a HIPAA-compliant host by hospitals is justified for safeguarding patients’ personal information. As the number of cyber threats grows, so does the possibility that sensitive patient data could be exposed through data breaches at healthcare institutions.
ePHI and other sensitive data can be shielded from cyber criminals and other threats with the help of a HIPAA-compliant hosting service’s secure infrastructure.
- Ensure Compliance with HIPAA Regulations:
The HIPAA rules are challenging to understand and are often being revised. Hospitals can rest easy knowing they are in compliance with HIPAA’s strict security and privacy laws by investing in a HIPAA-compliant host.
Safeguards for electronically protected health information (ePHI) include the following: periodic security risk assessments, administrative safeguards, physical safeguards, and documentation of compliance efforts.
- Improve Patient Trust:
Medical professionals have the trust of their patients when it comes to protecting their privacy and protecting their sensitive data. By investing in a HIPAA-compliant host, hospitals can demonstrate their commitment to protecting patient privacy and maintaining the highest standards of security. This can help to improve patient trust and satisfaction, which can ultimately lead to better patient outcomes.
- Reduce the Risk of Penalties and Fines:
Serious fines and penalties may be imposed for violations of HIPAA rules. As an illustration, in 2020 alone, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) under the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) levied HIPAA fines totaling $13.5 million.
By investing in a HIPAA-compliant host, hospitals can reduce the risk of penalties and fines and avoid reputational damage resulting from a data breach.
- Cost-Effective Solution:
Investing in a HIPAA-compliant host may seem expensive, but it can be a cost-effective option for hospitals. Hospitals can save on building and maintaining their own secure infrastructure by outsourcing hosting to a HIPAA-compliant provider. Additionally, HIPAA compliant hosting providers often offer 24/7 technical support, which can help to reduce the burden on internal IT resources.
Factors To Be Considered Before Investing In HIPAA Compliant Host
Investing in a HIPAA-compliant host is an essential decision that requires careful consideration. Here are some factors to keep in mind before making your investment:
- Security and Compliance: Ensure that the HIPAA-compliant host provides a secure environment to safeguard patient data from unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyber threats. The host should be fully compliant with the HIPAA security and privacy rules, including policies and procedures that cover administrative, technical, and physical safeguards.
- Business Associate Agreement (BAA): A BAA is a legal document that outlines the responsibilities of both parties, ensuring that the HIPAA-compliant host is aware of its role in securing patient data. Before investing, check if the host provides a comprehensive BAA that includes all necessary provisions to meet the HIPAA compliance standards.
- Performance and Reliability: The host should provide reliable uptime, fast page loading speeds, and a secure backup and disaster recovery plan to ensure your hospital’s data is always available and protected.
- Customer Support: Ensure that the HIPAA-compliant host offers 24/7 customer support to provide quick responses to any issues that may arise.
- Cost: Determine the total cost of the HIPAA-compliant host, including any additional fees for storage, bandwidth, or support. Compare different providers to ensure you are getting the best value for your investment.
Conclusion
Those in the healthcare industry that deal with private patient information must ensure they have a HIPAA-compliant host. By choosing a HIPAA-compliant hosting provider, hospitals can protect patient privacy, ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations, and improve patient trust.
