What is a HIPAA Breach?

Learn more about HIPAA breaches below:
HIPAA refers to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act which sets rules to protect individuals' protected health information (PHI). Covered entities that must adhere to HIPAA include health insurance companies, healthcare providers, business associates and employers that sponsor health plans.
A HIPAA breach occurs when PHI is improperly accessed, used or disclosed. Breaches can happen due to hacking, loss or theft of devices or paperwork, unauthorized access by employees, or improper disposal of PHI. With the rise of electronic health records, securing digital systems and devices has become critical to prevent HIPAA breaches.
When a breach occurs, covered entities must comply with the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule. They are required to notify affected individuals, the Department of Health and Human Services, and sometimes the media. A HIPAA breach assessment is conducted to evaluate the nature and extent of the breach, determine the risk to individuals' data, and mitigate the breach's impact. Conducting a thorough risk assessment is vital for organizations to comply with HIPAA after a breach.
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