Part B Insider - 2012 Issue 3
HIPAA: With Audits Heating Up, Is Your Practice Ready?
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Article Overview
This article covers the HHS Office for Civil Rights HIPAA audit program and the kinds of privacy and security compliance preparations covered entities and related organizations should review. It is aimed at healthcare practices, compliance staff, and administrators who need to understand audit timing, document requests, site visits, and the general expectation for ongoing policy review and training. The discussion also notes that audits may arise from complaints or breach reports outside the pilot audit program, making the topic relevant to organizations of different sizes and functions.
Why This Topic Matters
HIPAA audits can affect any covered entity, so knowing the scope of the audit program and the need for current documentation helps organizations assess readiness and reduce compliance gaps.
Article Sections
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HIPAA Audits Announced
Introduces the federal audit initiative, its pilot structure, and the general time frame discussed in the article.
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Who Will Be Audited?
Describes the types of organizations that may be considered for review and notes that related audit activity can occur outside the pilot program.
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What You Can Expect
Summarizes the notification and document-request process, as well as the general sequence of an audit visit and report.
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What You Need To Do
Focuses on preparing documentation, reviewing privacy and security practices, and maintaining ongoing training and policy review.
What You Will Learn
- How the HIPAA audit program is structured at a high level
- Which kinds of organizations may be selected for review
- What the audit notification and response process generally involves
- Why periodic review of privacy and security practices matters
- How ongoing training and documentation support compliance readiness
Who Should Read This
- Healthcare practices
- Compliance officers
- Practice administrators
- Privacy and security staff
- Covered entities
- Business associates
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