Privacy Manual
As part of the HIPAA Privacy Rule, it is required to have a HIPAA Privacy Manual. “The Rule requires appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy of personal health information, and sets limits and conditions on the uses and disclosures that may be made of such information without patient authorization.” (https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/index.html) Your privacy manual includes:
- • Policies regarding disclosure of PHI (Patient Health Information)
- • Disclosures without patient authorization
- • Patient Rights
- • Organizational Matters and Procedures
One of the ways an office may be audited for HIPAA is if a patient files a complaint. When a patient reaches out to you with a concern or complaint, you should have your Privacy Manual available in the office to demonstrate to patients that you are taking the proper steps to protect their PHI.
Clients of TLD Systems can download their Privacy Manual through their account at www.tldsystems.com under standard forms.
Hardware Firewall
A hardware firewall is a physical device that protects your network. Set up properly, it helps to prevent anything unauthorized from entering or leaving your network. If your network was a castle, the firewall would be the walls and moat that prevents enemies (malware, viruses, etc.) from getting in. It is a very important tool that should be set up in your office.
A hardware firewall is distinct from a software firewall. It is a physical device and protects the entire network. A software firewall as labelled is a piece of software. It provides protection only for the device it has be loaded onto.
Hardware firewalls can also be found enabled through some routers. If you have the firewall feature in your router, to make sure that it is enabled, login to your router.
Internet of Things
With the advent of smart devices, there are now a plethora of devices that are connected to the internet other than computers. Every device connected to your internet is another access point that must be protected. These devices should be logged and tracked. Clients of TLD Systems can track these devices and how they are set up in their Risk Analysis.
Internet of Things devices can include:
- • Google Home/Alexa Home
- • Alarm System
- • Credit Card Terminal
- • VOIP Phones
- • Smart TVs
These devices provide new vulnerabilities to your system as hackers or malware can use these pathways to attack you network. Before you add any internet of things devices, you should consult with your IT person. It is important to make sure they are set up in a manner that minimizes risk to your network.
For more information on how we can help your office be HIPAA Compliant, call (631) 403 6687 or email info@tldsystems.com.
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