Remote employees stay HIPAA compliant during COVID-19 by adapting to new protocols and technologies that ensure the confidentiality and security of patient information. As the pandemic has shifted much of the healthcare sector to telework, organizations have had to implement rigorous cybersecurity measures and comprehensive training to meet HIPAA standards remotely. These measures include secure virtual private networks (VPNs), robust encryption methods, and regular audits of security practices.
Additionally, employees are equipped with guidelines on how to handle sensitive information in home environments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a secure workspace away from potential breaches. This careful approach helps safeguard patient data, even when healthcare staff work outside of traditional office settings.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), cybercriminals are working hard to exploit the COVID-19 crisis by creating virus related websites and malicious software that can lock up devices and steal sensitive data. Below are 10 ways your employees can protect PHI while working remotely from home.
10 Ways to Protect PHI While Working from Home
- Ensure employees are working from an encrypted home wireless router.
- Make sure employees change their default passwords for wireless routers.
- Any personal device that is being used to access PHI should be encrypted and password protected.
- Make sure all devices that access your network are properly configured (i.e., encrypted, with a password, firewall and antivirus protection).
- Employees should use extreme caution when visiting websites or clicking on suspicious links, apps and attachments.
- Ensure the use of a VPN for remote access to your organization’s intranet.
- Make sure employees safeguard any devices containing PHI from family members or friends.
- Use a lockable file cabinet or safe to store hard copy PHI in your home offices, if that is necessary.
- Employees should shred any PHI once it is no longer needed, with a HIPAA-compliant shredder.
- Make sure to disconnect from the company network when work is complete.
If your practice is seeking safety or HIPAA training, contact the experts at MedSafe
MedSafe is the nation’s leading one-stop resource for outsourced safety, training and health compliance solutions. We offer a wide variety of on-site and online training courses, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration Safety, Corporate Compliance, HIPAA, Billing Compliance, and Harassment and Discrimination in the Workplace.
Contact us today for a free training consultation.
Toll-free: (888) MED-SAFE
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