HIPAA: Face 5 Trends That Could Impact Your Compliance in 2015

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps readers understand the main external pressures shaping HIPAA compliance priorities in 2015 and why organizations may need to review privacy, security, vendor-management, and communication practices. It provides a high-level view of enforcement and risk areas without serving as a technical coding or implementation guide.

Article Sections

1. Expect Tougher OCR Audits

   Discusses anticipated changes in federal HIPAA audit and enforcement activity and the growing use of the OCR complaint process.

2. Watch for Lawsuits Based on State Law Claims

   Covers litigation trends involving privacy and breach-related claims brought in state courts.

3. Protect Against Cybercriminals

   Reviews cybersecurity threats, breach concerns, and the need for stronger security awareness and oversight across organizations and vendors.

4. Beef Up Your BAAs

   Addresses the increasing importance and complexity of business associate agreements and vendor oversight.

5. Comply with the TCPA

   Looks at privacy concerns tied to patient communications by phone or text and the relevance of federal consumer consent requirements.