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 risk, and they 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 practical 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, such as email and text messaging, which can get covered entities into serious trouble. Part of the problem is a common misunderstanding of how HIPAA dIt'ses PHI. As the webinar will explain, it’s much more than an individual’s medical condition, prescribed treatment, diagnosis, or medications.
The key takeaway is how Covered Entities can protect themselves fully from HIPAA violations and protect patients’ rights to receive unencrypted Emails and Texts containing PHI. Just a simple 3-Step Safeguard is all that is needed.

Why you should Attend: 

You will learn how to use and document the 3-Step Safeguard to protect your organization when communicating with patients via Email and Text Messaging. The 3 Step Safeguard is"a complete "Safe Harbor” from HIPAA violations and exposure to unquestionable, serious Rdon'tif you don’t take advantage of this safeguard.

Areas Covered in the Session:

• Brief review of HIPAA and the unanimous Supreme Court TCPA decision
• How HIPAA diet's PHI - it's not just medical information about, for example, a diagnosis, surgical procedure, or patient's
• A Patient’s absolute right to receive PHI by standard (unencrypted) Email & Text Message
• The simple 3-Step HIPAA Safeguard protects Covered Entities from HIPAA violations when complying with a patient right to communicate by standard, unencrypted Email, and Text Message
• When Covered Entities must encrypt Emails and Text Messages

Who Will Benefit: 

• Health Care Covered Entities
• Health Care Providers
• Clinics
• Hospitals
• Health Care Practices of all types and sizes
• Physical, Occupational, and Behavioral Therapists
• Health Plans
• Group Health Plan Administrators
• Third-Party Group Health Plan Administrators
• Health Plan Administrators
• Personnel
• Executive Management – all Covered Entities
• Compliance Committee – Covered Entity Board of Trustees
• Practice Managers – Covered Entities
• Chief Compliance Officer – all Covered Entities
• HIPAA Compliance Officials – Privacy and Security
• Patient Engagement and Marketing Specialists
• Patient Outreach Coordinators
• Risk Managers
• Covered Entity Owners and Senior Management
• Compliance Committee – Physician, Practitioner-owned Covered Entities
• Attorneys for Covered Entities – In-house and Outside Counsel

Vendors and Business Associates

• Vendors of Email and Text Message patient engagement services
• Billing companies
• Collection Agencies
• Practice Management Companies
• Vendors of patient satisfaction surveys using Email and Text Messages
• Health Care Marketing Consultants
• Health Care Compliance Consultants
• Law Firms