Contact Us For Special DSO Pricing! (940)215-1830

HIPAA Cybersecurity Updates: What Dental Practices Need to Know

HIPAA Cybersecurity Updates: What Dental Practices Need to Know

Adapting to New Security Standards to Protect ePHI

For the first time in over a decade, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is proposing significant updates to the HIPAA Security Rule to address the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats. These changes, expected to be finalized within 60 days, aim to strengthen protections for electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI) and create a more secure ecosystem across the healthcare industry.

Dental practices and Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) must prepare to meet these new requirements, which will introduce stricter cybersecurity measures and increased accountability for safeguarding patient data. Here’s an overview of the proposed changes, why they matter, and how your practice can adapt.

A Brief History of HIPAA and Cybersecurity

The last update to HIPAA’s cybersecurity requirements occurred in 2013. Since then, the healthcare industry has experienced an alarming rise in cyberattacks, including ransomware and data breaches that have compromised millions of patient records.

Key Statistics Driving the Updates:

  • A dramatic increase in breaches affecting 500 or more individuals.
  • Ransomware attacks disrupting healthcare operations nationwide.
  • Growing concerns over the impact of compromised ePHI on patient safety and privacy.

With these proposed changes, the HHS aims to address current vulnerabilities and set a higher standard for cybersecurity in healthcare.

Key Changes to the HIPAA Security Rule

1. Stronger Regulation of Entities Handling ePHI

The new rules will extend stricter requirements to all entities interacting with ePHI, including business associates and common DSO vendors. This measure aims to close gaps in the security chain and prevent high-profile incidents like the recent Change Healthcare breach.

2. Mandatory Encryption of ePHI

Under the updated rule, all ePHI must be encrypted both at rest and in transit, with limited exceptions. Encryption will reduce the risk of data exposure during cyberattacks.

3. Network Segmentation

Regulated entities must implement network segmentation to limit attackers’ lateral movement within systems. By isolating sensitive data, segmentation reduces the impact of breaches.

4. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA will become a requirement across all systems where possible, adding a critical layer of security to prevent unauthorized access.

5. Mandatory Risk Assessments

All organizations must conduct detailed risk assessments, including creating a technology asset inventory and network map to identify vulnerabilities and threats.

6. Annual Compliance Audits and Vulnerability Testing

Organizations will need to perform regular compliance audits, vulnerability scans every six months, and penetration testing at least once a year.

7. Enhanced Incident Response Requirements

Written security incident response plans must include procedures for responding to breaches and restoring systems within 72 hours. These plans must also be tested and updated regularly.

Implications for Dental Practices and DSOs

While these new requirements may seem daunting, they represent an opportunity to strengthen your practice’s cybersecurity and build trust with patients. Here’s what dental practices and DSOs need to consider:

Operational Changes

  • Implement or upgrade encryption protocols for patient data.
  • Segment internal networks to isolate sensitive ePHI from other systems.
  • Ensure all employees and vendors use multi-factor authentication.

Financial Considerations

  • Allocate budget for upgrading hardware, software, and IT infrastructure to meet new requirements.
  • Factor in the cost of annual compliance audits and vulnerability testing.

Compliance Monitoring

  • Regularly review and update security policies and procedures.
  • Work with IT partners to ensure ongoing compliance with HIPAA and HITECH standards.

Staff Training

  • Educate your workforce on the importance of the new requirements.
  • Train employees on how to recognize potential cybersecurity threats, such as phishing attempts.

The Benefits of Higher Cybersecurity Standards

While implementing these changes may involve significant upfront investment, the benefits outweigh the costs in the long run:

  1. Improved Patient Trust: Patients are more likely to choose providers that prioritize data security.
  2. Reduced Risk of Breaches: Enhanced measures minimize the likelihood and impact of cyberattacks.
  3. Regulatory Compliance: Avoid costly fines and legal actions associated with non-compliance.
  4. Operational Continuity: A stronger cybersecurity framework ensures minimal disruption in the event of an attack.

How InTech Together Can Help

Navigating these new regulations can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. At InTech Together, we specialize in providing tailored IT solutions to dental practices and DSOs, ensuring compliance with evolving HIPAA standards while protecting your operations from cyber threats.

What We Offer:

  • Risk Assessments: Comprehensive evaluations of your IT infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities.
  • Encryption and Segmentation: Implementation of advanced security measures to safeguard ePHI.
  • Compliance Audits: Annual audits and testing to ensure adherence to the updated Security Rule.
  • Staff Training: Educational programs to prepare your team for the new requirements.

Take Action Today

With the proposed updates expected to take effect soon, now is the time to evaluate your practice’s cybersecurity measures and prepare for the transition. Waiting until the last minute can expose your organization to compliance risks and operational disruptions.

Contact InTech Together Today
Ready to ensure your practice meets the new HIPAA cybersecurity requirements? Call us at 940-215-1830 or visit our website to schedule a consultation. Let’s work together to protect your practice, your patients, and your future.

InTech Together

What Makes Us Unique

You don’t need to be the expert in everything to have an IT partner that supports your operations reliably.

WE’VE BEEN IN YOUR SHOES

We have recruited our team from DSO’s. We understand how to build scalable solutions while still being budget conscious.

IN-DEPTH DENTAL IT KNOWLEDGE

We have over thirty years of dental IT experience. Let us focus on supporting your dental IT needs, as you focus on supporting your patients.

WE GROW WITH YOU

We work with all dental practice, from newly built practices to practices that have been operating for over thirty years. We will take you where you are and propel you to the next level.

How InTech Together Can Help Your DSO

Protect

From managed cloud backups to antivirus, malware and security patch management; we have you covered when you need it most.

Support

We understand the stress of x rays going down while you have patients in the chair. This is why we solve critical issues like this within 4 hours 99.8% of the time.

Grow

We take your existing IT Platform As-is and grow with you. We help with project management and annual hardware reviews. 

How It Works

Through our Proven Process, we have helped more than 190 DSOs achieve their IT vision.

01. Visioning Meeting

Get clarify into your IT situation.

02. Engineering Meeting

Align on the IT plan

03. Onboarding Date Set

Have confidence in passing the responsibility to InTech Together