If not, you may want to rethink your processes otherwise, it may cost you. 

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Recently, a Houston health system agreed to pay $240,000 fine to the Health and Human Services Department’s (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR). This was in response to allegations that they violated HIPAA’s right of access initiative by failing to timely respond to patient’s request for her health information. 

OCR has been actively investigating and pursing claims of patient access, as a part of its Right of Access Initiative. 

Memorial Hermann Health System failed to act in a timely manner, and it is essential that your practice does not have the same potential issue. 

Memorial Hermann now has to follow a corrective action plan as well to ensure that this is corrected. They will likely need to revise policies and procedures, develop coaching and share experiences with OCR. This alone will be a costly endeavor. 

Protect your practice now from a potential HIPAA issue. 

Make sure that your policies and procedures are up to date. 

Ensure that your staff has adequate training and knows how and when to provide patients with their records. 

If you need help making sure your office is running smoothly, contact Rickard & Associates today! 

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