Healthcare Industry Specialization
Sierra Miles Group specializes in delivering managed IT services tailored to the healthcare sector. Our team undergoes regular training on Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations, ensuring compliance and data security. With an in-house Certified Medical Compliance Officer, we address the unique HIPAA compliance needs of our clients, establishing Sierra Miles Group as a trusted and compliant business associate.
Understanding HIPAA
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 establishes regulatory standards for the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI). PHI encompasses any health-related information that can identify an individual, whether transmitted or maintained electronically or in any other form.
Overview of HIPAA Rules
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) encompasses several key regulations designed to protect patient information. The Privacy Rule establishes national standards for patients' rights regarding Protected Health Information (PHI). Its primary goal is to ensure that an individual's health information is safeguarded while still permitting the necessary sharing of information for quality healthcare and public protection.
The Security Rule outlines national standards for securely maintaining, transmitting, and handling electronic PHI (ePHI). The HIPAA Omnibus Rule extends these regulations to include Business Associates, ensuring compliance throughout the healthcare supply chain. Additionally, the Breach Notification Rule provides standards that Covered Entities and Business Associates must follow in the event of a data breach involving PHI or ePHI.
Our HIPAA Compliance Services
- HIPAA Compliance Assessments
- Data Security Audits
- Employee Training Programs
- Policy and Procedure Development
The 18 Identifiers of PHI
- Names
- All geographic subdivisions smaller than a state, including street address, city, county, precinct, zip code, and their equivalent geocodes.
- All elements of dates (except year) directly related to an individual
- Telephone numbers
- Fax numbers
- Email addresses
- Social Security numbers
- Medical record numbers
- Health plan beneficiary numbers
- Account numbers
- Certificate/license numbers
- Vehicle identifiers and serial numbers, including license plates
- Device identifiers and serial numbers
- Web URLs
- IP addresses
- Biometric identifiers, such as fingerprints and voiceprints
- Full-face photographic images and any comparable images
- Any other unique identifying numbers, characteristics, or codes
Meet Our Compliance Officer
Tia Payne is our Certified Medical Compliance Officer (CMCO) at Sierra Miles Group, playing a pivotal role in managing compliance matters within our organization. With her extensive experience, Tia supports our technical team in navigating the complexities of HIPAA compliance, ensuring that we meet all regulatory standards.
As a valuable resource for our clients, Tia guides healthcare organizations through maintaining compliance in their operations, focusing on fostering strong relationships and client satisfaction. To learn more about Tia and her role, visit her profile here.
Why Choose Sierra Miles Group?
With extensive experience in healthcare IT and a commitment to data security, Sierra Miles Group is your trusted partner for HIPAA and compliance services. We tailor our solutions to meet the unique needs of your organization, ensuring both compliance and operational efficiency.
Are you HIPAA compliant? We are here to help you safeguard your data.