Medical transcription involves more than just accurately transcribing records. Workers must also be familiar with a few basic laws concerning medical dictation if your practice is to avoid heavy fines and legal sanctions. Here are a few of the most important laws any medical transcriptionist should be familiar with.
HIPPA Privacy and Security Rule
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was enacted in 1996 to ensure the privacy and safety of patient information. Medical offices must adhere to the Privacy Rule and Security Rule.
The Privacy Rule:
- Limits how and when certain medical information may be disclosed
- Allows patients to obtain a copy of their own medical records or to examine them upon request
The Security Rule:
- Limits how and when certain medical information may be disclosed
- Allows patients to obtain a copy of their own medical records or to examine them upon request
The Privacy Rule and Security Rule can be found at 45 CFR Part 160 and 45 CFR 164 Parts A and C.
HITECH Changes to HIPAA Law
The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinic Health, or HITECH Act, makes sweeping changes to HIPAA. These changes increase penalties for violations, and even mandates investigations by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in a number of instances.
They also place new responsibilities on independent contractors that provide outsourced functions such as medical transcription. Known as “business associates”, these contractors are now equally as liable as physicians for the breach of private information.
When looking for a transcription service, it’s important to choose one that is familiar with all these very important laws. Here at Sunrise Transcription, our associates are very familiar with these laws, which is why we invite you to contact us to find out more.