In the interconnected world of digital health information, safeguarding Protected Health Information is paramount. Healthcare providers must legally follow the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to protect patient privacy and maintain trust, and this compliance includes understanding what it means to identify and deal with security incidents.

Among these, the concepts of security incidents, reportable events, and the implementation of the Breach Notification Rule are particularly critical. These aspects of HIPAA are at the heart of ensuring that health information remains confidential and that violations are promptly addressed and communicated appropriately.

This article explains the obligations of HIPAA-covered entities and their business associates under the Breach Notification Rule regarding reportable events. We will explore how to identify security incidents, determine their severity, ascertain if they constitute a reportable event, and understand the necessary steps for notification during a breach.

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In response to changes in the medical industry due to COVID-19, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) have put forth a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to streamline how doctors can access mental health information. 

This article will discuss this rule change and why it seeks to address the gaps between HIPAA disclosure and mental health information protections.

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Cyber threats continue to grow in complexity and sophistication. To address this evolution, the Department of Defense has introduced the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 to ensure that defense contractors maintain robust cybersecurity practices to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). 

To address one of the most important processes in modern security (risk management), CMMC 2.0 includes some risk assessment requirements. 

This article will explore risk management’s vital role in achieving CMMC 2.0 compliance and its connection to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines, specifically NIST SP 800-171. We will delve into the various control families of NIST 800-171 and 800-172, their impact on risk management, and the steps organizations can take to address potential risks effectively.

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