The adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) has revolutionized healthcare delivery, improving efficiency, accessibility, and coordination of patient care. However, the digitalization of medical records also introduces significant legal and compliance challenges under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, and other federal and state regulations.
This course provides an in-depth legal analysis of HIPAA compliance for EHRs, covering privacy and security rules, breach notification obligations, cybersecurity requirements, interoperability challenges, enforcement actions, and best practices for healthcare organizations. Students will gain expertise in protecting patient data, ensuring regulatory compliance, mitigating liability risks, and handling enforcement actions related to EHR security.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will:
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Understand the Legal Framework Governing EHRs and HIPAA Compliance – Analyze HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules, the HITECH Act, and other regulations affecting electronic health information.
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Evaluate Privacy and Security Standards for EHRs – Learn how to implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect patient data.
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Examine Legal Risks and Liabilities in EHR Data Breaches and Violations – Study how to handle cybersecurity threats, breaches, and enforcement actions.
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Analyze Interoperability and Data-Sharing Regulations – Review how the 21st Century Cures Act and ONC Rules affect data-sharing and patient access.
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Assess Third-Party Vendor Compliance and Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) – Develop strategies to ensure legal compliance when working with EHR service providers.
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Explore Enforcement Actions, Penalties, and Legal Defenses for HIPAA Violations – Investigate federal penalties, OCR investigations, and strategies to mitigate legal exposure.
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Identify Best Practices for HIPAA Compliance in EHR Management – Learn how to develop compliant policies, conduct risk assessments, and train staff.
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Prepare for Future Trends and Legislative Changes in EHR and HIPAA Compliance – Examine emerging legal issues, cybersecurity advancements, and regulatory developments.
