Headlines From HHS.gov
“Administrative Law Judge rules in favor of OCR
enforcement, requiring Lincare, Inc. to pay $239,800”
Dental and Medical – IT Security – IT MATTERS
US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Civil Rights (OCR) Administrative Law Judge
ruled that Lincare Inc. violated HIPAA rules, and is required to pay $239,800! This is serious!
The investigation began after someone complained to HHS that a Lincare staff member left behind Protected
Health Information (PHI) of 278 patients.
Further evidence indicated that the organization had an unwritten policy requiring certain employees to store
protected health information in their own vehicles for extended periods of time. Although aware of the complaint
and OCR’s investigation, Lincare subsequently took only minimal action to correct its policies and strengthen
safeguards to ensure compliance with the HIPAA Rules.
Here are the three Civil Money Penalties:
- Impermissible Disclosure of Protected Health Information – $25,000
- Failure to safeguard Protected Health Information – $25,000
- Administrative Requirements: Policies and Procedures – $189,800
Total REAL Money penalty: $239,800
Don’t let this happen to you!
Click here to get a no cost initial evaluation on your Privacy, Security and HIPAA Compliance Maturity!
Contact US or Call 541-494-2099 for more information on steps you can take to avoid this situation.