HHS Mandatory Email & Text Message Encryption Rules with Only One Exception for Informed Patients Recorded Webinar | Paul R. Hales | From: Nov 30, 2021 - To: Dec 31, 2021 |
HHS and CMS have confirmed the requirement that all Emails and Text Messages containing Protected Health Information (PHI) must be encrypted.
There is only one exception. Patients have the absolute right to communicate with Covered Entities by unencrypted email and text message – if the patients have been informed there is some level of risk and prefer using unencrypted electronic transmissions.
It also will explain when Emails and Text Messages containing PHI must be encrypted and the simple 3 Step HIPAA Safeguard that fully protects Covered Entities from HIPAA violations when communicating with patients by unencrypted email and text message – even if the unencrypted transmission is intercepted.
Regular (unencrypted) Email and Text Messaging are effective engagement and communication tools for routine communications like appointment reminders. Patients like and have the right to use them.
The Internet is awash with misinformation about Health Care Email and Text Messaging that can get Covered Entities into serious trouble. Part of the problem is a common misunderstanding of how HIPAA defines PHI. It’s much more than information about an individual’s medical condition, prescribed treatment, diagnosis, or medications as the webinar will explain.
On April 1, 2021, the U. S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous ‘blockbuster’ decision about the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) that affects Health Care text messaging. The webinar will cover that decision and explain why it did not give blanket permission to text patients. HIPAA – and the 3 Step Safeguard are still in full force and effect.
The key takeaway is how Covered Entities can protect themselves fully from HIPAA violations and comply with the patient’s right to receive unencrypted Emails and Texts containing PHI. Just a simple 3 Step Safeguard is all that is needed.
Areas Covered:-
Why should you Attend:-
You will find out how to use and document the 3 Step Safeguard to protect your organization when communicating with patients by regular Email and Text Messages. The 3 Step Safeguard is a complete “Safe Harbor” from HIPAA violations and exposure to unquestionable, serious Risks if you don’t take advantage of this safeguard.
Who Should Attend:-
Health Care Covered Entities
Vendors and Business Associates
Paul R. Hales received his Juris Doctor degree from Columbia University Law School and is licensed to practice law before the Supreme Court of the United States. He is an expert on HIPAA Privacy, Security, Breach notification and Enforcement Rules with a national HIPAA consulting practice based in St. Louis. Paul is the author of all content in The HIPAA E-Tool, an Internet-based, Software as a Service product for health care providers and business associates.