We address the legal and technological factors of maintaining the privacy and security of all patient records. 

In what have become dominating topics in health care law, the protection of patient privacy and the security of patient records are more important than ever before. Especially with the proliferation of technology-based electronic health records, health care facilities have been well-publicized victims of data breach and identity theft with costly consequences involving patient lawsuits and noncompliance penalties.

Since HIPAA’s enactment in 1996, Bricker & Eckler has been a nationwide leader in providing comprehensive legal services related to the statute. And when the HITECH Act, containing major changes to HIPAA, was signed into law in 2009 and revised through 2013, we stood at the forefront of addressing health information issues whose regulations were evolving.

For years, our attorneys have counseled our clients through the implementation of electronic health record (EHR) technology and the protection of their patients’ data. While these systems present health care entities with significant operational and financial benefits, they also pose a number of unique legal challenges. Whether obtaining incentive payments for the “meaningful use” of health records, complying with all applicable statutes and regulations, maintaining the confidentiality of health information or developing health information exchanges, we have experienced attorneys and nationally recognized resources to help our clients achieve their privacy and security goals.