Having watched the three videos on Security Risk Assessment prepared by the U.S.A Department of Health and Human Services through the HIPAA, I have learned that medical practitioners are prone to unauthorized access of their patient's files. These actions might result in data loss if not properly handled, in addition to the fact that confidential information about the patients risks landing in third-party hands. Because of the nature and sensitivity of the medical profession, it is critical that the healthcare provider comes up with measures to safeguard these files. One way of doing so is by conducting a risk analysis. Performing a risk analysis helps the practitioner to identify, evaluate, monitor and treat security threats regarding the mishandling of the Electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI) by a third party. To have an effective risk analysis tool in place, it is essential that it meets the requirements of critical vital components. These key components of a risk analysis tool regardless of the method used should cover all the ePHI that the organization creates, receives, maintains or transmits through electronic media.
The other important concept of security risk assessment is the adherence to the requirement of contingency planning. The contingency plan entails establishing strategies for making sure the healthcare provider does not lose their ePHI, should the organization experience an emergency or a system failure, which may result from a hacking attempt. It also outlines how to restore data in case of data loss. I have also learned through the videos that a Security Risk Assessment tool plays a critical role in helping an organization determine its security risk and adherence to the HIPAA requirements. In conclusion, due to the nature of the confidentiality requirement and doctrine of healthcare, it is not just crucial for the healthcare provider to have in place a Security Risk Assessment tool, but rather it is compulsory, and the failure to adhere to this is a direct violation of the HIPAA rules and conditions for healthcare practitioners.
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