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HIPAA Compliance

HIPAA Documentation

by Dina Kayed

Under the new federal law concerning the processing of patient information in the health industry, every action taken regarding patient care is subject to strict privacy laws. This includes any communication, along with any activities that take place, or any classifications assigned. They should all be kept secure whether they are recorded in written form or electronically. This law must be implemented by all medical staff and anyone else associated with the treatment of patients or with access to any private information concerning patients. Confidentiality of personal information and patient privacy is the primary concern of HIPAA.

Documentation under HIPAA Regulations

Keeping documentation is also another critical issue. HIPAA regulations state that in the case of minors, an institution should keep a minor's records until one year after the minor reaches the legal age of 18. If the records are concerning adults who no longer receive treatment or service from that institution, then their records should be kept for no less than seven years.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is responsible for making sure all institutions dealing with private patient information are keeping up with HIPAA regulations. They will inspect all paperwork and electronic documentation from time to time, to make sure no privacy has been breached. They will also carry out spot checks on personnel to identify any who are not properly qualified according to HIPAA regulations and rules.

Each institution should have privacy policies and regulations that are in accordance with HIPAA regulations. Steps must be taken to accomplish complete confidentiality for every person receiving service. All records should be kept up to date, and any information believed to be incorrect for one reason or another should be corrected as soon as possible.

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