Cybersecurity compliance is on the agenda of every web-based business around the world. The reason for this is the ever-growing pressure of the authorities on companies who need to store the personal data of their customers and patients. Nowadays, companies need to be compliant if they want to be successful and free of legal action. 

But how can you know which regulation you should follow? Cybersecurity compliance is a diverse subject with several standards that change from industry to industry. Today, we will talk about HIPAA and see what needs to be done in order to be compliant with HIPAA standards.

What is HIPAA? 

HIPAA (The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is the leading regulation when it comes to the healthcare sector. This regulation entered into force in 1996 as a federal act. Most basically, it is a set of rules that governs how individuals’ medical records can be stored and used. Any company that needs to collect medical records from their customers should ideally be compliant with HIPAA.

One of the most important rules set by HIPAA is that any medical record cannot be disclosed unless the individual clearly expresses their consent. This protects customers and patients in terms of their personal data staying confidential between doctors and other healthcare professionals who access this data because of their profession. This rule is called the “​​Privacy Rule.”

The Privacy Rule establishes guidelines for people’s rights to know how their health information is used and to exercise that right. A key objective of the Privacy Rule is to guarantee that people’s health information is not disclosed, but it is also allowing them to get the best healthcare they can without personal data being compromised.

In terms of who is subject to this regulation are clear; who collects, stores, and uses protected health information (PHI). These entities are called “covered entities.” These entities can be hospitals, health insurance companies, and health care clearinghouses. In addition to these, any associate of covered entities is also required to abide by HIPAA rules. 

What are HIPAA Rules?

Being HIPAA compliant does not only mean that you have the necessary security practices put in place on your private network where you store medical records. There are four main rules of HIPAA. Let’s take a look.

1-) HIPAA Privacy Rule

The Privacy Rule, as we mentioned above, governs the right of individuals on their medical records. This rule outlines the boundaries of usage and storage of medical records, which are based on the individual’s consent. In every organization that is HIPAA compliant, all employees have to be trained on this rule.

2-) HIPAA Breach Notification Rule

As everybody who is interested in cybersecurity knows, data breaches can happen no matter what. But there are some rules on HIPAA that specifies how an entity should act in case of a breach. This rule sets the regulation on how and when should an entity report a possible data breach on medical records.

3-) HIPAA Security Rule

Security rule regulates how entities should structure their data security architectures. It specifies the requirements and standards that need to be put in place to ensure medical records stay confidential and the risk of a breach is as minimized as possible. These standards are physical and also technical, meaning that entities should ensure security on both means.

4-) HIPAA Omnibus Rule

HIPAA Omnibus rule is the one that also applies to business associates of covered entities. This rule states that business associates of such entities should also be HIPAA compliant since they have or might have access to the medical record of individuals. 

How to be compliant with HIPAA? 

We now do know which rules an organization needs to follow in order to be compliant with HIPAA. But what things an organization needs to check to stay compliant with it? Here are some suggestions to make sure you are up to date with the HIPAA security rule checklist.

1-) Prepare your cybersecurity structure for HIPAA

HIPAA is a serious personal data security regulation, and you need a robust cybersecurity structure if you want to be compliant with it. You need an advanced way of protecting your private network from malicious users. This requirement is the first thing you need to check, make sure you have the means to protect data online.

2-) Train your staff on all of the rules

It’s not enough if you are compliant with HIPAA in terms of administration or data protection technologies. Employees of covered entities are also subject to these rules, so they need to be properly trained on them. Make sure to concentrate on how you explain and teach the rules of HIPAA to your employees. 

3-) Monitor your network

After making sure your network is capable of defending itself from various cyber threats, you need to conduct regular check-ups on it. Not a single network would be secure if they were not adjusted properly to the changing threats. So it is also crucial to monitor everything and make changes and upgrades when needed. 

Conclusion

HIPAA (The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) has been a pioneer personal data protection standard in healthcare since 1996, and you need to understand it from all aspects possible to avoid legal action and data breaches that can result in unauthorized disclosure of medical records. 

HIPAA sets all the necessary rules and also states suggested practices, all you are left to do is follow these practices and make sure you are on board with HIPAA. Medical records are perhaps the most sensitive data of individuals, and HIPAA is here to protect them. 

Hotelling and lodging can be expensive if you are traveling to big states that offer all the luxurious services at VIP spots. You can save some cost especially if you are with your family looking for the best hotels in Florida, or you have other plans in mind. This can be problematic if you are with kids or wife waiting for your head to clear things up and decide for something straight up.

For this reason, we will share some tips with a number of ideas to help you know how to get cheap hotel deals no matter in which state you are in. Just stick to our guidance and get the benefit. Here are the most useful tips for getting cheap deals for hotels anywhere.

If You’ve Been At Their Hotel Before, Mention It

If you’ve already been at a hotel, you’re more likely to receive a discount. Consumers who are loyal to a brand gain brownie points, so pick a hotel chain you like and stay with them everywhere you travel. Even if it was for a work trip or a corporate retreat, tell them that you’ve stayed with them before. This should aid you in getting a good deal.

Contact for Discounts 

When compared to booking through the hotel’s website, calling the front desk and checking about their rates will almost always save you money. They could not only be able to put up a personalized package for you, but they might also be able to offer you a discount. When dealing with hotel staff rather than booking online, you can request late departure, amenities, and WiFi.

Try To Be As Flexible As Possible

When traveling, having the opportunity to shift a day forward or backward may save you a lot of money. Begin with the fundamentals and obtain a credit card that provides you with cash back every time you make a purchase. If you frequently travel, whether domestically or internationally, using a travel rewards credit card is one of the simplest and most reliable methods to save money on hotel reservations. It appears to be quite straightforward, and it is.

Directly Contact The Hotel By Phone Or Email

While comparison sites might provide excellent savings, the only way to be sure you’re receiving the greatest bargain is to call the hotel directly. Email is frequently effective, but phoning is a faster choice. You may ask if there are any special packages, offers, or discounts available, and you could even mention the prices you saw for their rooms on price comparison sites in case they want to make a counter-offer.

Simply Register To Learn Regarding Special Offers

Most large hotels have a newsletter or loyalty program where you can sign up for discounts and special deals. There are special discounts in the hotels on unique events or public festival days. You may save a lot of money by taking advantage of these deals. 

Make Bookings Ahead Of Arrival During Peak Season

Make a reservation ahead of time if you’re only going on vacation for the holidays. While last-minute bookings are advantageous during the off-season, prices tend to soar during the high season. It’s a smart thought to act quickly before all the reservations are done and you are out of luck to get any services.

Think About Hotels That Aren’t Included On Major Search Engines

It doesn’t imply a Mom & Pop hotel isn’t worth a look just because it doesn’t have good search rankings or even a website. In fact, because they don’t have internet users, these motels are usually less expensive! Talk to relatives, friends, and locals; anybody who might be able to provide you with some helpful hotel recommendations in your area.

Packages Should Be Sought Out

Travel packages are likely to be highly particular and may or may not meet your exact demands, but if you discover one that works for you, you’ll save a lot of money by grouping everything together! Try searching tour websites for your specific location. Occasionally, large places may provide packages that include attractions, food, and a hotel.

Make a Last-Minute Hotel Reservation to Save Money

Last-minute hotel reservations are a gamble; they pay off occasionally and don’t always. You will have complete freedom, which is important to some tourists, but your accommodation alternatives will be severely limited. If you visit a large city like New York or Los Angeles out of season, it pays off since there are hundreds of hotels to fill. If you require a hotel in a small town/rural region or a major metropolis during peak season, it’s not worth it.

The more people or tourist attractions there are, the better this strategy works. Hotels don’t want vacant rooms, and punters want the lowest last-minute hotel rooms possible; thus this is a terrific tool for people who want the most flexibility while traveling.

Conclusion

These were the best tips on how to get cheap hotel deals in which some suggestions and most essential tips have been shared. If you want to obtain the benefit, now is your chance.