An online cheat sheet is available on what the federal government will look for and require during its HIPAA compliance audits of health care providers, health plans and clearinghouses including dental practices.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights announced in March it had begun its second phase of audits of covered entities and their business associates to assess their compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Privacy, Security and Breach Notification Rules.

On April 1, the Office for Civil Rights published its revised audit protocol, which will tell health care providers:

• What kinds of questions they may be asked by auditors.
• What evidence of compliance efforts auditors will be looking for.
• Where to focus compliance efforts if a covered entity’s leaders do not feel good about their compliance program’s current state.

To read the full protocol, click here.

Penalties for noncompliance with HIPAA can run into the tens of thousands, or even higher. Don’t risk it – develop a solid HIPAA plan with the ADA Complete HIPAA Compliance Kit.
 
The kit includes a manual to help you understand and document HIPAA compliance; a three-year update service; a digital version of the book with forms to customize for your practice; and a two-level training program.
 
For details or to order the kit, visit ADAcatalog.org or call 800.947.4746. Save 15% on the kit and all ADA Catalog products by using code 16507 by June 10.