PATIENT PRIVACY: Outsourcing Security on Patient Privacy Can Be Helpful -- If You Know These 5 Essential Truths

Why This Topic Matters

It helps healthcare organizations assess privacy vendors and outside consultants without assuming all services are equivalent or complete. That matters because HIPAA privacy responsibilities remain ongoing and a practice may need broader support than a one-time setup.

Article Sections

1. Government allowance for HIPAA consultants

   Introduces the use of outside consultants for privacy-related support and frames the general legal permissibility of that approach.

2. HIPAA requires ongoing upkeep

   Describes why privacy protection is not a one-time task and emphasizes the continuing nature of practice responsibilities.

3. Be wary of cookie-cutter contracts

   Discusses the importance of tailoring privacy-related services to the practice’s size, specialty, workflow, and setup.

4. Don't forget the scope of identity theft

   Addresses the broader privacy and identity-theft exposure associated with patient information and related records.

5. Consider tracking and monitoring services

   Covers additional support options that may be considered after a privacy plan is in place, including monitoring and breach-response assistance.