Guide on Healthcare IT Compliance

 

This article is basically about the regulatory bodies and agencies governing IT healthcare in the United States. For instance, the OCR (Office for Civil rights) is responsible for enforcing the HIPAA. They are basically in charge of auditing the various healthcare providers and their associates and charging fine for those who are non-compliant. CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services), in partnership with ONC (Office of the National Coordinator), is both responsible as a regulator and resource for healthcare IT compliance.

 

The List of Regulatory Bodies and Accreditation Agencies Governing the Healthcare IT Compliance

 

Here are some of the agencies that play an essential role in healthcare IT compliance. You may be surprised to know that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is also playing a part in managing the IT healthcare industry.

 

HIPPA Compliance and OCR

 

The OCR is basically responsible for enforcing the HIPAA. They are essentially investigating violations in terms of privacy and giving penalties for healthcare providers that are proven non-compliant. Before enacting the HITECH Act, the OCR will only be investigating an entity when someone filed an official complaint against a particular agency. But with the HITECH Act, the OCR is now mandated to complete periodic auditing of the healthcare providers. They are also tasked to guarantee that the providers will stay in compliance. Aside from holding the entities accountable, they are responsible for publishing the updated rules and guidelines on healthcare privacy. They should also help healthcare organizations to become or to stay HIPAA compliant. They should provide guidance and training materials to the organization.

 

CMS Audit

 

The CMS is another division of the HHS (Health and Human Services). They are basically in charge of the administration of the Medicaid, Medicare, and the health insurance program designed for the children. Like OCR, many things happened with CMS after the enactment of the HITECH Act. The law is intended to advance the field of healthcare by incorporating the different IT innovations. According to the latest rules, the medical facility that fails to comply will receive a penalty by reducing their reimbursement. On the other hand, healthcare facilities that are in compliance will receive incentives. The CMS Audit will cover security and privacy regulation, documentation of EHR, and implementing the incentive program.

 

ONC

 

The ONC is the central entity in charge of coordinating the efforts in implementing the use of healthcareIT nationwide. They have been on the front line of encouraging various healthcare providers to transfer from the manual practice to the digital process. They are also legally responsible for accreditation health products, applying standards, and assigning leadership towards the development and coordination of the health policy.

 

Finally, the FDA also plays a role in ensuring healthcare IT compliance. They are responsible for regulating the efficacy of medical devices and x-ray machines. They are also accountable for approving the IT product before being officially released in the market. These agencies responsible for safeguarding compliance ensure that the industry offers top-notch service to the people.