HIPAA Rules: Penalties and Criminal Liabilities

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HIPAA was officially enacted in the year 1996 by the United States Congress. HIPAA has two titles–Title I of the rule is to protect individuals and families when they lose their jobs or change their jobs. Title II also known as the administrative simplification provision requires the establishment of electronic healthcare transactions to protect the identity of providers, health insurance plans, and employers. All Covered Entities and Business Associates must follow all HIPAA rules and regulations.

Title I has been a debated topic with health coverage of many individuals going under constant change looking at the job security of American individuals. I am covering individuals under health care policy after significant breaks.

Title II is known as the background regulation of the healthcare industry as the industry moves toward the technologically vibrant sector.  With Information becoming the new currency, the law was made to protect the patients’ healthcare information.

According to the law here are some insights about the HIPAA Regulations

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) takes up the initiative of implementing the HIPAA security and privacy laws. OCR checks the following during the investigation process

1. Investigating complaints filed with it.
2. Conduct a compliance audit to determine whether the covered entities comply.
3. Educating and reaching out to foster compliance.

In the case of non-compliance where the doctor’s office is not resolving the matter satisfactorily, OCR may decide to impose monetary penalties.