Audits play an important role in making sure that set laws and standards are implemented and followed. They also provide insight into the effectiveness of those laws. The HITECH Act of HIPAA regulations requires the Health and Human Services (HHS) to periodically conduct HIPAA audits. The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) takes charge of those audits, conducting random evaluations to gain a better perspective on the success of HIPAA and compliant businesses.
OCR conducts specific audit initiatives that evaluate HIPAA regulations and aims to improve those standards. In the past, OCR HIPAA audits were split into two distinct phases, focusing on different aspects of HIPAA compliance and regulations. Explore what phase one and phase two HIPAA audits are and learn how to prepare for them.
Phase 1: Covered Entity Assessment
Phase one of HIPAA audits focuses its assessment on covered entities and their efforts to secure the privacy and security of protected health information. During the audit, OCR evaluates the entities’ efforts to implement controls and processes that adhere to HIPAA requirements. Phase one is also used as a pilot audit that gives OCR the opportunity to develop protocols and instructions to further measure the effectiveness and successes of HIPAA compliance.
Phase 2: Compliance Assessment
Phase two of HIPAA audits extends the evaluations to business associates as well as their covered entities. OCR randomly selects the pool of auditees with consideration to the size, type, and set operations of the business associates and covered entities. Phase two audits aim to gain a clearer idea of each aspect of HIPAA compliance.
Phase two features a more in-depth assessment, including:
- Privacy Rule compliance evaluations
- Security Rule compliance evaluations
- Breach Notification Rule compliance evaluations
- Risk analysis and management
- Documentation overview
- HIPAA compliance maintenance protocols
The focus of phase two audits can vary depending on the results discovered during phase one.
Preparing for HIPAA Audits
HIPAA audits put your business’s compliance to the test. Preparing for audits ensures your business meets set standards and can fully protect your patients and their PHI. Some key steps to take in preparation include:
- Regularly checking your email and contacts—OCR will reach out to you prior to an audit
- Self-conducting risk assessments
- Gathering and updating related documentation
- Conducting a mock evaluation
- Implementing safeguards
- Training your team
The best way to prepare for an audit is to enhance your HIPAA compliance procedures. Make sure your business is ready for impromptu evaluations and successful compliance with a HIPAA online training course. Effective training educates your staff on all the essentials to achieve HIPAA compliance, as well as appropriate knowledge of HIPAA and its importance.
What are HIPAA phase one and two audits? HIPAA audits make sure HIPAA regulations and implementations are effective and provide the intended results. The two phases generate a thorough evaluation of HIPAA compliance in businesses and focus on different aspects of security and safety standards. Knowing more about HIPAA audits and their phases allows you to better prepare for them, understand their importance, and take them more seriously. Strengthen your HIPAA compliance and knowledge with HIPAA training courses and reap the benefits of effective and successful HIPAA procedures.