How Can HIPAA-Covered Entities Lower the Security Risks of Mobile Device Usage?

Mobile Device

Healthcare organizations need to address the security risks associated with the use of mobile devices and reduce them to a reasonable and acceptable level. Here is a list of good advice from the HHSโ€™ Office for Civil Rights:

1.ย ย ย ย ย ย  When using mobile devices in the workplace to create, receive, maintain and transmit ePHI, be sure to implement the appropriate policies and procedures.

2.ย ย ย ย ย ย  Secure mobile devices using a Mobile Device Management (MDM) software.

3.ย ย ย ย ย ย  Implement an authentication step to use or unlock mobile devices.

4.ย ย ย ย ย ย  Install automatic lock or logoff functionality.

5.ย ย ย ย ย ย  Donโ€™t forget to install security patches and updates.

HIPAA
Compliance
Checklist

Simple Guidelines
Immediate PDF Download

Immediate Access

Privacy Policy

Download Free Checklist

6.ย ย ย ย ย ย  Use a privacy screen so people close by cannot read the information on your screen.

7.ย ย ย ย ย ย  Use a secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) and secure Wi-Fi connections.

8.ย ย ย ย ย ย  Install security features such as encryption, anti-malware or anti-virus software and remote wipe capabilities.

9.ย ย ย ย ย ย  Use whitelisting to permit installation of approved apps only. Third-party apps should not be allowed to be downloaded.

10.ย ย  All PHI stored on a mobile device must be securely deleted before discarding or reusing the device.

11.ย ย  All the workforce must be included in the HIPAA training programs on how to securely use mobile devices.

Over the past few years, the OCR has been penalizing non-compliance with HIPAA Rules strictly. Several HIPAA covered entities had to pay a settlement amount for their failure to address mobile device security risks resulting in a data breach. Childrenโ€™s Medical Center of Dallas paid $3.2 million in penalty due to theft of unencrypted data impacting 6,262 individuals. Oregon Health & Science University paid $2.7 million for loss of unencrypted laptop and use of cloud storage without a Business Associate Agreement impacting 4,361 individuals. Cardionet paid $2.5 million for theft of an unencrypted laptop computer impacting 1,391 individuals. Catholic Health Care Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia paid $650,000 for theft of a mobile device that impacted 412 individuals.

About Liam Johnson

Liam Johnson has produced articles about HIPAA for several years. He has extensive experience in healthcare privacy and security. With a deep understanding of the complex legal and regulatory landscape surrounding patient data protection, Liam has dedicated his career to helping organizations navigate the intricacies of HIPAA compliance. Liam focusses on the challenges faced by healthcare providers, insurance companies, and business associates in complying with HIPAA regulations. Liam has been published in leading healthcare publications, including The HIPAA Journal. Liam was appointed Editor-in-Chief of The HIPAA Guide in 2023. Contact Liam via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamhipaa/