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Modern technology such as cloud computing has changed the way that just about every industry operates, and healthcare organizations are no exception. In most ways, making the switch to cloud-based applications has improved patient care, employee productivity, and companies’ bottom lines. However, it has also created some unique threats when it comes to the safety and security of patients’ protected health information (PHI).
HIPAA Compliance and Cloud-Based Applications
HIPAA, short for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is a piece of legislation designed to ensure that PHI remains protected across the healthcare industry as technology continues to change. It requires healthcare organizations and their business partners to implement physical, administrative, and technical safeguards.
When it comes to cloud-based applications, it’s essential that healthcare providers find business associates that can ensure HIPAA-compliant data transmission and storage. Working with partners such as secure hipaa fax service providers is one example, though many other business partners can also be considered covered entities, as well.
Cloud-Based Data Storage Best Practices
Both healthcare providers and their business associates are required to follow HIPAA’s privacy and security rules, which are intended to ensure that data stored both on-premises and in the cloud remains protected. In addition to these two rules, covered entities, including cloud service providers (CSPs) and IT storage specialists must also follow HHS’s Omnibus rule.
While none of these rules and regulations set forth a comprehensive list of specific safeguards that must be put in place, they do outline some best practices that can be applied to cloud-based storage solutions. These best practices include:
- Performing regular risk analyses and assessments
Implementing access controls such as secure logins
Providing staff members with training in cybersecurity best practices
Requiring multi-factor authentication
Using advanced encryption standards (AES)
Having data backups and a disaster recovery plan
These best practices also apply to on-site data storage. Every healthcare organization should assign a dedicated HIPAA compliance officer. This position can be held by an existing employee or a new hire, or it could be outsourced to a specialized company. Either way, the HIPAA compliance officer will be responsible for creating and enforcing data security policies and procedures.
HIPAA Compliance and Business Associate Agreements
All cloud-based data storage providers that handle PHI are classified as HIPAA business associates and must sign business associate agreements (BAAs) before healthcare providers using their services can upload any covered data. Although covered entities always need to obtain a BAA, just having a BAA in place doesn’t guarantee compliance with HIPAA rules.
Covered entities should also perform comprehensive risk assessments before uploading PHI to a cloud-based data storage service. If the service provider doesn’t follow all of the HIPAA compliance best practices described above, it doesn’t matter whether there’s a BAA in place. Healthcare organizations should look elsewhere for cloud-based data storage services.
Fend Off Potential Threats With the Right Data Storage Solution
Healthcare providers and their business associates are at a greater risk of being hacked and experiencing data breaches than almost any other type of organization. Cybercriminals know that these businesses handle a wealth of sensitive information, which makes them appealing targets. These organizations can fend off potential threats and protect PHI by ensuring that their data storage providers are committed to ensuring HIPAA compliance within their own companies and staying up-to-date with the latest information security best practices.
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