Avoid pitfalls by composing, enforcing proper HIPAA policies, procedures

Why This Topic Matters

Healthcare organizations can face enforcement action when policies are missing, outdated, or inconsistent. The article is relevant to compliance, privacy, security, and administrative leaders responsible for maintaining HIPAA documentation and reducing organizational risk.

Article Sections

1. HIPAA compliance and OCR enforcement context

   Introduces the role of written policies and procedures in HIPAA compliance and describes the enforcement environment. It also notes federal audit activity and the importance of risk mitigation.

2. 4 tips to improve HIPAA policies, procedures

   Presents general areas practices should review when updating HIPAA documentation. The section covers alignment with current rule changes, internal consistency, tailoring procedures to policies, and documenting why certain items may not apply.