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Our white paper gives a brief introduction into the HIPAA regulations regarding text messaging and ePHI, and then continues to discuss how to evaluate the technical and functional requirements of secure texting apps, and – possibly more importantly – how to evaluate vendors of apps for texting in compliance with HIPAA.
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Many of the features of secure texting apps have been developed in order to safeguard sensitive communications and comply with the HIPAA regulations in addition, many of these features have been found to offer additional benefits, including: The Features and Benefits of Secure Texting Apps In a healthcare environment, apps for texting in compliance with HIPAA can also raise the standard of healthcare receive by patients, as diagnoses, laboratory results, physician consults and discharges can all be accelerated by secure messaging.
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Thereafter he or she can read the message, send replies, and upload attachments.Ī secure messaging solution such as a HIPAA compliant text app enables multiple parties to be involved in confidential conversations to enhance workflows, increase productivity and reduce costs. The recipient receives the message, but only gains access to the link after authenticating their identity with a unique username and password. When an authorized user wants to send patient information securely, the recipient receives a notification linking to the received information. The platform has administrative controls to ensure the integrity of the ePHI – both at rest and in transit – with safeguards in place to prevent unauthorized access – such as the ability to assign message “lifespans” in order that communications delete automatically after a pre-determined time period. How do Apps for Texting in Compliance with HIPAA Work?Īpps for texting in compliance with HIPAA work by allowing authorized users access to a software-as-a-service “On Demand” platform to send and receive ePHI in a HIPAA compliant manner. Many healthcare facilities use secure texting to keep sensitive communications safe and comply with industry regulations however, due to multi-platform functionality and helpful features, the use of a HIPAA compliant text app has also been found to enhance employee workflows, increase productivity and raise the standard of patient healthcare. A HIPAA compliant texting app is a secure messaging solution which enables healthcare organizations to safeguard electronic protected health information (ePHI) while still allowing an open flow of communication between authorized users.Īpps for HIPAA compliant texting meet healthcare industry standards for security and privacy during the communication of ePHI with a secure alternative to text messaging, and – due to the features included in the secure messaging solution – ensures that system administrators can audit access to encrypted ePHI and any transmission of confidential data in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
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