Overview:

This webinar will provide a comprehensive analysis of the critical HIPAA updates for 2024, including significant changes under the Omnibus Rule. We will delve into the compliance aspects of modern communication channels, including texting, email, encryption, medical messaging, and voice data, with a specific focus on their associated IT risk factors.

The primary objective is to dispel common myths and provide definitive clarity on the true "do's and don'ts" of HIPAA. Drawing on over 22 years of direct experience with federal and state auditors, as well as litigation, this session will translate complex regulations into actionable strategies for implementing and managing an effective compliance program.

We will examine common scenarios faced by compliance officers and outline proven management techniques. The session will also cover real-world litigation where HIPAA violations have been used to substantiate state-level negligence claims—an emerging and significant liability. Furthermore, we will identify the highest-risk factors that simultaneously increase the likelihood of both a federal audit and a private lawsuit.

Why you should Attend:

Enroll in this detailed 90-minute webinar to gain a thorough understanding of the evolving roles and responsibilities of a HIPAA Compliance Officer. New legislation and increased enforcement funding have substantially elevated the risks for both Covered Entities and Business Associates.

Critical questions we will address include:

• Is your current HIPAA compliance program both effective and defensible?

• Are you fully aware of the actions required to meet all regulatory requirements?

• Do you understand the 2024 updates concerning Information Access, Information Blocking, Encryption, Notice of Privacy Practices, and implications of the Dobbs/Jackson ruling?

With record-breaking enforcement and fines in recent years, 2024 is poised to continue this aggressive trend. It is essential to understand the evolving enforcement priorities at Health and Human Services. This webinar will equip you with the knowledge to reduce your audit profile and mitigate the risk of lawsuits stemming from the wrongful disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI).

Areas Covered in the Session:

• Essential Regulatory Updates for 2024

• Core Requirements and Responsibilities of a Compliance Officer

• The Expanded Definition of Protected Health Information (PHI)

• Analysis of Real-Life Litigated Cases

• Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policies and Portable Device Security

• The Increased Compliance Burden on Business Associates

• Secure Email and Text Messaging of PHI

• The Federal HIPAA Audit Process

• The Growing Intersection of HIPAA and Private Lawsuits

• Risk Assessment Tools and Methodologies

• Ransomware Prevention and Response

• Breach Notification and Response Protocols

Who Will Benefit:

• Practice and Compliance Managers

• Physicians and Medical Professionals

• All Business Associates serving the healthcare industry, including:

  • Billing and Transcription Companies

  • IT Firms and Answering Services

  • Home Health Agencies

  • Medical Coders

  • Attorneys