HIPAA requires all practices to create security policies and procedures as part of the compliance process. What does that look like for different practices, and how is it accomplished? Therapy tech expert Roy Huggins, LPC NCC explains.
The world of email is getting better at creating secure and HIPAA-friendly ways to use the communication method. We show you the 3 types of email security so you can make an informed choice.
If your computer touches protected health information at all, you want to make sure it is using full device encryption. Let’s recognize that smartphones and tablets (e.g. iPads and Android tablets) are computers. So when we say “computer,” we mean everything that is computer-like. Full-Device Encryption, or “FDE” FDE can actually stand for […]
You know by now that working with HIPAA’s security standards means taking a risk management approach to the security of your clients’ information. In order to evaluate risks, we first need to examine something that doesn’t sound too pleasant: threats. Threats — or “hazards” when we’re talking about environmental threats — are actors or circumstances […]
Therapists often complain of clients misusing modern communication technology such as texting and email. The client may send overly sensitive information. They may expect instant responses. They may even text their therapist despite the therapist’s explicit statement that they don’t do texting. To use a nerdy metaphor: communication is a multiplayer game. We notice that […]
It can be easy to fall into a trap of thinking about digital security concerns as “the HIPAA stuff.” In fact, our professional ethics require us to address digital security just as much as any state or federal law. The difference is that HIPAA provides extensive standards for accomplishing digital security. Professional associations have, thus […]
Have you ever wondered about “low-hanging fruit of HIPAA security” for mental health pros? Compliance is a process, but this is a great first step to achieving it.
Get 17.5+ APA-approved and NBCC-approved CEs on tech and telemental health, personalized consults with Roy 4 times/month for a whole year, and so much more.
Secure texting that is HIPAA-friendly and good for clients is now cheap and easy for mental health professionals. It’s time to move away from SMS texting.
A flaw affects the security of all WiFi. While preventative steps are needed, fixes are available. Preparation for future problems may be needed, though.