If your business handles protected health information, you need a HIPAA compliant email program for private and secure electronic transfers. These emails have strong security measures to reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access. Enterprise Guard is an email service provider that provides secure and HIPAA compliant solutions. Here’s why HIPAA compliance for emails matters:
What is HIPAA Email Compliance?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a law that sets standards for protecting sensitive patient health information. Under HIPAA, all healthcare providers and business associates must uphold the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of electronic protected health information (ePHI). That includes using email to transfer sensitive health information between healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patients. When an email is HIPAA compliant, it means it meets all the standards set by HIPAA for the security and privacy of ePHI. Enterprise Guard is a HIPAA compliant email service provider that meets all the confidential and secure data transfer requirements.
Why HIPAA Compliance Matters for Emails
Cyber-attacks and data breaches have increased, and healthcare providers and associates must take extra precautions to protect sensitive patient information. Email HIPAA compliance provides the necessary security measures to avoid ePHI compromise during electronic transfers. Here are reasons why your emails should be HIPAA compliant:
Protect the Integrity and Confidentiality of Sensitive Information
Protected health information is highly sensitive and must be kept confidential for patient privacy. It may include names, addresses, social security numbers, credit card numbers, medical records, etc. If this information falls into the wrong hands, it could be used for identity theft, fraud, or other malicious activities. That can be damaging to the affected individuals and potentially ruin their lives. A HIPAA compliant and secure email uses advanced encryption and access control to protect this information from unauthorized access. It also ensures data integrity by preventing tampering or alteration during transfer.
Avoid Violating HIPAA Regulations and Facing Penalties
Failure to comply with HIPAA regulations can result in severe consequences for healthcare providers and business associates. The penalties for non-compliance can range from $100 to $50,000 per violation, depending on the severity of the offense. A single data breach can result in multiple violations, leading to massive fines and damage to the organization’s reputation. Sometimes, you may face jail time for willful neglect of HIPAA rules. An email that complies with HIPAA regulations can help you avoid these consequences and maintain compliance with the law.
Build Trust and Confidence with Patients
Patients trust their healthcare providers to keep their personal information safe and secure. When you use Gmails, Yahoos, Hotmails, and AOLs, clients immediately see you don’t have a secure email. A HIPAA compliant email demonstrates your commitment to protecting patient privacy and building trust with them. This can improve patient satisfaction and retention and enhance your reputation in the healthcare industry. Patients are more likely to choose a provider that takes their privacy seriously and uses secure methods for electronic transfers.
Get a HIPAA Compliant Email from Enterprise Guardian®
Enterprise Guardian® offers HIPAA compliant email solutions to help healthcare providers and business associates stay secure and compliant. Our email service provides end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, secure cloud storage, and other advanced features to keep your ePHI safe. We understand the need to protect sensitive patient information and are committed to upholding the highest security and compliance standards. Contact us today to learn more about our secure email services.