Who Oversees HIPAA Compliance?

There is a fine for not following HIPAA standards. It has a huge role in the healthcare industry, and has helped with niche growth.

Who Enforces HIPAA?

The OCR (Office for Civil Rights) is primarily the main enforcer of HIPAA Compliance. The office of Human Rights oversees all such cases, requirements, and penalizes individuals if needed. 

Since the office is responsible for overseeing the compliance standards, it’s crucial for individuals to abide by them.  As HIPAA comes into the spotlight further, people also wonder about the lasting of their HIPAA compliances.

Who oversees HIPAA Compliance? The OCR oversees HIPAA legal compliance if it impacts 500 people or more.  The department may also check other smaller branches, but it’s less likely.  In addition, OCR also oversees the complaints of different entities under the HIPAA legal compliance.

The department realizes that 100% HIPAA legal compliance in the healthcare system may not be possible. However, it’s a smart way to reduce data compromise in the medical world.  

Moreover, legal attorneys get assistance in enforcing HIPAA on individuals, and reviewing their compliance status. The requirements for compliance with HIPAA are the same for the customers and the insurance providers. 

Knowing who coordinates and oversees the various aspects of HIPAA compliance in a medical office can help you reach out to the right place when needed. The enforcement of HIPAA by the OCR can impact your medical bills and costs. 

Therefore, learning about HIPAA data retention can make the process easier. To help you understand the background of compliance, we will cover some historical background of HIPAA needs.  It will also help you better comprehend the need for such compliance and how it can benefit you as a client.

When did HIPAA Enforcement Begin?

HIPAA first started as early as August 21, 1996. However, the law has transformed multiple times over the last 25 years.  

With the enforcement of HIPAA legal compliance, protecting data is much easier for medical service providers.  The legislature has taken its time in taking the full impact. 

However, April 2003, was a major milestone in this process. Between 2003 and 2004, the HIPAA legal compliance for Privacy was fully enforced. It allowed medical service providers to protect their client information for maximum privacy. 

Similarly, HIPAA legal compliance for security was fully incorporated in 2005. However, the small health plans had another year to comply with the latest HIPAA rule.  By April 2006, all the health plans complied with the security HIPAA standards. 

The development of HIPAA rules over the years has helped the rule transition. Today, it’s an industry standard in the world of healthcare. 

What is the HIPAA Enforcement Rule?

The HIPAA rule is one of the latest and most powerful rules applicable in the U.S. for medical service providers. The HIPAA enforcement rule applies to any and every situation of a compliance breach.  There are a few rules that are included in the HIPAA legal compliance that professionals follow:

• Security Rule

• HIPAA Omnibus Rule

• the Breach Notification Rule

• Privacy Rule

The OCR can then take action on the non-compliance cases and charge heavy financial penalties to the violators.  In case of violations, the OCR reserves the right to conduct research, and find possible flaws in practice and compliance. Any healthcare organization that isn’t in compliance may face legal action in a court of law.

Final Thoughts

HIPAA is one of the most iconic rules for healthcare systems in the U.S. the legislature has evolved over 25+ years. Today, HIPAA legal compliance is a must and determines the safety of a healthcare provider. The requirements for compliance are the same for the patients, as well as the insurance providers. Therefore, we recommend learning more about HIPAA legal compliance, its oversight, and finding solutions for ease.

Try BillPro Today

Getting the right support for compliance requires a  HIPAA compliant service solution. If you are looking for a reliable, transparent, secure, and modern billing solution - BillPro is leading the charge. Feel free to utilize the BillPro - HIPAA compliant software that can meet your medical billing needs. It’s the smartest way to optimize the process, and avoid issues along the way.

With BillPro, administrative issues are no longer a concern, allowing individuals to focus on quality care for patients. For your convenience, learn more about the Medicaid billing solution operating methods and covered entities. 

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