HIPAA Compliance:
Take 7 Steps To Protect PHI 'In The Cloud'
Published on Fri Dec 21, 2012
Choose your vendor carefully -- or risk leaks. If you’re like many other healthcare providers, you’re either currently considering or possibly already using some kind of online or cloud storage for your medical files. Although cloud storage is economical and convenient, it’s rife with risks and gaping security holes. That’s why auditors are increasingly focusing their attention on protected health information online and in the cloud. You can avoid many problems with cloud storage by simply selecting the right kind of vendor and executing a contract in compliance with HIPAA rules and related regulations. Experts offer the following steps for staying out of hot water while you’re transitioning to the cloud: 1. Evaluate the Vendor When it comes to cloud storage, not all vendors are created equal. Choose "a vendor with experience in dealing with regulated information, ideally protected health information," advise Jim Wieland and Joshua Freemire of Ober Kaler Attorneys [...]