Remote work has increased in popularity over the last few years, drastically changing the traditional workplace. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, telecommuting and remote work policies were widely implemented in the US, along with office closures. While some employees have gone back to work, the majority continue to perform their duties away from the office. Telehealth services now face additional HIPAA Compliance challenges as a result of this change.
Advantages
Data breaches can be avoided or reduced if remote workers are held to the same standards as office workers. HIPAA recommends that covered entities and business partners who work remotely use secure remote access software for storing and monitoring ePHI. The benefits of HIPAA compliance for remote work are as follows.
- Get customized solutions
- Provide telehealth services
- End-to-End encryption
- HIPAA Compliant Messaging
- Reduced Legal Risk
- Patient consent for telehealth
- Provide consistent security
- Data encryption standards
- Use of Versatile applications
How to Maintain HIPAA Compliance When Working From a Distance
It is essential to remember that remote work policies do not automatically constitute an unauthorized violation of any of the HIPAA guidelines.
Even before the pandemic made remote work necessary, this was a reality. However, HIPAA compliance in remote work environments requires additional measures and concerns.
Restricting Access for Workers
Managing who has access to sensitive information is crucial for HIPAA compliance when working remotely. Employees shouldn’t have access to protected materials or patient data unless they perform work that requires it. Because of this restriction, the likelihood of a widespread security breach is greatly diminished.
Secure Access with VPNs, Strong Passwords, and Multi-Factor Authentication
Using the proper means of communication is essential. Sensitive information should not be transmitted via social media or other open-source platforms but rather via those that are HIPAA-compliant.
Protected Health Information (PHI) and patient data must be kept safe by using sophisticated privacy measures in the chosen communication tools.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA), Strong Passwords, and a Virtual Private Network (VPN) are all great ways to keep your account safe.
Keeping access protected is of utmost importance. It all starts with a strong password.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) should also be used by staff to increase login security.
Using Appropriate Tools
Tools and apps can be used to implement multi-factor authentication like-
- Google Authenticator
- Telecommuting Devices
- Secure VPN
- End-to-End Encryption
- HIPAA Compliant Messaging
Read More :- https://megamindstechnologies.com/blog/how-to-follow-hipaa-rules-when-working-from-home/