While digitized health records expedite transfer of patient information and encourage coordinated care, EHR systems and data are susceptible to hacks, ransomware and can create special vulnerabilities, endangering both patient and provider information. Identity thieves and other cyber criminals continue to target EHRs, and the valuable credit and other information they contain, as some of the most lucrative documents available. With these threats to data security on the rise, healthcare providers must equip themselves to address and mitigate cybersecurity issues.
Hancock Daniel applies its arsenal of knowledge on HIPAA standards, IT procurement, liability and insurance to assist clients in their efforts to avoid problems proactively and in handling matters after a problem has arisen. Our experienced team can assist in evaluating compliance with federal, state, and local regulations on data security, and often works with providers, IT departments, and central business office personnel in proactive cybersecurity efforts. Further, if the worst happens and a provider’s EHR or other systems are hacked, locked through a ransomware, or otherwise compromised or breached through phishing attacks or malicious code, Hancock Daniel attorneys can advise on appropriate responses to reclaim data, as well as dealing with insurers, law enforcement, professional regulatory agencies and affected patients. These efforts can help to mitigate the risks of suits and claims relating to a breach, and where a provider is subjected to a claim based upon a cybersecurity compromise, Hancock Daniel’s attorneys are well positioned to defend healthcare providers.
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