Four Factors to evaluate for new breach risk assessment with the probability that PHI has been compromised. To avoid penalties for noncompliance, your practice must comply with the Omnibus Rule by Sept. 23, 2013.

Sending text messages has become a common method of communication among teenagers, adults, and more recently medical professionals. Physicians are discovering that texting provides a quick and efficient way to communicate with colleagues, patients, and office or hospital staff. 

The HIPAA Omnibus Rule marks the most sweeping changes to the HIPAA privacy and security rules since they were first implemented nearly 18 years ago. Under the rule, first-time violations can be up to $50,000 per incident per year and repeat violations can result in a $1.5 million fine.