Patient Privacy: Report: Data Breaches Increase in Early 2015

Why This Topic Matters

Healthcare data breaches can expose protected health information, trigger compliance issues, and increase the risk of audits and penalties. The article helps readers understand the broader privacy and security context affecting practices and why preparedness matters.

Article Sections

1. Breach trends and reported losses

   Summarizes the reported increase in breaches during early 2015 and the broader scope of compromised records. Discusses the general sources of incidents described in the report.

2. Anthem and other breach sources

   Reviews a major healthcare breach cited in the article and the way it influenced the discussion of threat patterns. Also touches on accidental loss as another common breach category.

3. Prep now for HIPAA audits

   Explains the article’s discussion of evolving HIPAA requirements, enforcement history, and upcoming audit activity. Covers the compliance context described for healthcare entities of different sizes.

4. Even baby pictures could violate HIPAA

   Addresses privacy risks tied to portable devices, website content, social media, and other everyday practice activities. Focuses on the broader need for authorization and protection of patient information.

5. Create authorization forms

   Describes the need for additional practice forms and related compliance materials. Also mentions support tools and references to state privacy and breach-notification laws.