Privacy: Watch Out For These HIPAA Trends In 2015

Why This Topic Matters

Healthcare organizations and their vendors faced evolving privacy and security exposure, and this article highlights the categories of risk most likely to demand attention in 2015. It is useful for readers assessing compliance priorities, contracting practices, patient communication workflows, and security planning.

Article Sections

1. Get Ready For Tougher OCR Audits

   Discusses anticipated changes in federal privacy and security enforcement activity and related compliance scrutiny. It also addresses broader organizational risk considerations for healthcare entities.

2. Beef up Your BAAs

   Covers business associate agreement trends and the growing importance of contract terms addressing vendor oversight and privacy/security expectations. The section focuses on how healthcare organizations may revisit these arrangements.

3. Comply With the TCPA

   Reviews patient communication concerns tied to federal telephone and messaging privacy requirements. It highlights compliance considerations for technology-based outreach.

4. Watch for Lawsuits Based On State Law Claims

   Examines litigation activity involving privacy and breach-related claims under state law. The section explains why these cases are drawing attention in the healthcare sector.

5. Protect Against Cybercriminals

   Addresses cybersecurity threats and data protection concerns affecting healthcare information systems. It emphasizes the need for continued safeguards and awareness of emerging attack patterns.