Stay In the Know-Your Mental Health Practice Staying Safe, Secure & HIPAA Compliant

Mental health professionals should be vigilant
about cybersecurity threats, including
hacking attempts aimed at obtaining patient
information. Therapists can take several
steps to safeguard patient information such
as using secure communication channels,
encrypting sensitive data, regularly updating
software and educating themselves about
cybersecurity practices.

>Keep all software, including operating
systems, antivirus programs and applications
up to date with the latest security patches.

>Regularly update firmware on devices such
as routers and firewalls. Regularly back up
patient data and store backups securely.

>Conduct regular security audits and
monitoring of your systems and networks to
detect and respond to potential security
threats proactively.

>Text messages are not automatically HIPAA
compliant if they contain protected health
information (PHI). HIPAA regulations require
practices to protect patient information, and
standard SMS texting is generally not
considered secure enough to meet those
requirements.

>If a client emails you, they are not
adhering to HIPAA standards. Once you
receive these emails store them in a HIPAA
conforming database. The provider is
responsible for HIPAA compliancy-not the
patient.

Disclaimer: Please note: The editorial content of this page is in no way intended to be professional advice. It should be considered informational and a venue for entertainment purposes. Read and utilize it at your own discretion. Content may not be published without the expressed consent of Associated Billing Center, LLC