Via Pixabay

In today’s digital world, information is more prone to hacking than ever before, which creates a serious safety issue. Most websites can be developed and hosted on the Internet without thinking much about safety. Healthcare practices and other establishments in the medical industry, however, must proceed with caution for various safety reasons. In order to protect patients’ records and maintain confidentiality, medical institutions must create websites that are HIPAA compliant.

What is HIPAA?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that provides protection and security for patients’ medical information. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services enforces this law and sets HIPAA rules and regulations. HIPAA has two rules that must be followed to be compliant with regulations. The first rule, known as the Privacy Rule, pertains to protecting the private health information of a patient. The second rule, known as the Security Rule, encourages data security measures. This rule is particularly important to address when information is stored electronically.

How to Make Your Website HIPAA Compliant

Patients’ confidential information is most likely at risk if medical websites are being hosted with protection that provides basic encryption. In order to avoid violating HIPAA rules, websites must attain a high-level protection. This concern only comes into play when sensitive information is being collected and a third-party is involved in the transaction of data.

One of the ways to encrypt the transmission of data is by ensuring the website is secure. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) can be used to prevent data leaks. Before entering any personal information onto a medical website, be sure to look at the URL. Websites with an HTTPS:// have an SSL Certificate that encrypts communication between a web browser and a web server. This means that the medical institution is following HIPAA laws.

Another way to ensure HIPAA compliance is by using forms to collect data that provide that extra security and protection. Typical Content Management Systems (CMS) may not have that level of security so it is best to use a third-party form builder that would be HIPAA Compliant. Cognito Forms is one of the best form builders that provide SSL encryption, data encryption as well as a secure hosting environment.

Medical Website Design

Healthcare websites must ensure the safety and protection of its patients is a top priority. As technology is constantly changing and becoming more accessible, it’s becoming increasingly important to have a high-level security system on your medical website.

Here at Today’s Business, we have years of experience in building websites for our clients in the healthcare industry. No matter if you are a private practice or public institution, we can help you achieve a HIPAA compliant website that looks great on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices. We can take over your Content Management System and provide your patients’ data the safety that it requires. Contact us now to find out more!