With the advancements of technology today, patient information is valuable. And that brings with it an utmost responsibility: patient privacy protection. HIPAA compliance is not only a legal requirement, but also a fundamental aspect of sound business sense.
We at Pell Software are fully cognizant of HIPAA compliant API development and that there is no one HIPAA compliance checklist that applies to all. The General Rules of the Security Rule (ยง164.306) allow for a “flexibility of approach”; therefore, security procedures and policies can vary from one software project to another. This makes adhering to HIPAA data storage requirements, as well as security and privacy, even more important.
HIPAA 101: Security and Privacy
To keep the privacy of patients and health data, medical professionals and their business associates are required to abide by HIPAA’s privacy and security rules.
The Privacy Rule governs the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI) such that no unauthorized person can be exposed to it and patient permission for release must be secured. It also gives people rights to their PHI like accessing their records.
The Security Rule offers administrative and technical safeguards to protect electronic protected health information (ePHI).
Healthcare organizations can effectively protect patient data and prevent risks from data breaches and unauthorized access, by complying with both rules and other HIPAA data storage requirements.
The Importance of BAAs
When a custom software company like ours handles PHI for a health provider, it is a business associate under HIPAA. For this to happen, a Business Associate Agreement, BAA, must be in place.
This agreement defines each party’s responsibilities in protecting PHI, such as security precautions and reporting breaches in a timely manner. In performing a BAA, Pell Software strives to maintain patients’ confidentiality and be completely HIPAA compliant.
Mitigating Risks
Regular risk assessments are necessary in the identification of potential vulnerabilities and improving security controls. As HIPAA compliant API developers, our risk management strategy is tightly integrated with our enacted policies and procedures, notably those related to access control, software design, employee security, and adherence to HIPAA data storage requirements.
Our internal security policy mandates role-restricted, customized access to PHI such that access is provided to only those with the need to access for legitimate business reasons. This minimizes unwanted exposure and meets the minimum necessary requirement in place by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Additionally, our computer environment is made to be secure, for instance, with the use of unique, intricate passwords, multi-factor authentication, and data-in-transit and data-at-rest encryption.
These precautions are supplemented day and night through continuous audits and security scans such that we are able to fore-identify and remediate any assumed threats or abnormalities and sustain your HIPAA data storage requirements.
By performing regular and comprehensive risk assessments, we not only maintain our security measures in effect, but also regularly keep it updated to fight emerging threats. It is by this method that we are capable of maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of the information we process.
Trust Pell Software
Here at Pell Software, we are committed to security and compliance, and committed to taking seriously our job of safeguarding PHI. Use us as your HIPAA integration partner due to our diligent methods. We practice rigid policies and procedures that tightly restrict access to PHI, have it monitored, and restrict it to the very least.
Pell Software puts security of your information first with high-level encryption, multi-factor authentication, and periodic system audits. In addition to HIPAA data storage requirements, these best practices are taken with the intent of protecting against unauthorized access and breaches.
Our employees are fully educated in HIPAA compliant API creation, and we maintain strict requirements for staff security and device administration to make certain that your delicate information is cared for in the utmost way possible. You can be sure your HIPAA integration is in qualified hands, supported by a dedicated team concerned with your security and compliance every step of the way, when you work with Pell Software.
Your HIPAA Partner
Pell Software is a leading provider of Custom Software Development, with a strong focus on HIPAA compliance and creating tailored software applications for your business. We help healthcare organizations achieve and maintain compliance with HIPAA data storage requirements while optimizing their workflows through innovative Custom Software solutions. Our team of experts is dedicated to understanding your unique needs and developing reliable custom software that prioritizes data security and patient privacy.
Pell Software can help you maintain HIPAA compliance in your custom software solutions and API integrations to elevate your healthcare operations. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how.
