Frequently Asked Questions about HIPAA Compliance and Security Risk Assessments by USHC

Yes. The US Healthcare Compliance HIPAA consultants can provide help to get your organization in compliance with HIPAA, whether this is through telephone conferences with your organization or on-site visits. We can provide a complete HIPAA compliance package scalable to your needs.

2. How does the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit save money?

By customizing a document template, such as a business associate agreement, and having a lawyer check your work, rather than having the lawyer draft the document "from scratch," you can save substantially on legal bills. (As a matter of fact, if you can reduce your lawyer's billable time by two hours you will have paid for the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit CD.) You can use the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit to train an existing member of your workforce in HIPAA privacy and security compliance, rather than hiring an outside expert, and your organization can therefore save substantially on salary and benefit costs. And, by managing your own compliance project, rather than hiring a consulting firm to do it for you, you can save tens of thousands of dollars in consulting fees.

3. How does the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit save time?

The Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit methodology has been carefully designed to avoid duplication of effort and wasted time. There are two different paths to choose when using our product, depending on what type of covered entity your organization is. Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit Stat starts physician practices with the first, fast, and simple steps that will get your company through the 10 most important steps in as little time as possible.

4. Who developed the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit?

The resource kit was developed by a team of people from a variety of backgrounds - each an expert in their chosen field. The synergy of the combined experience of professionals in a number of different fields allows for a unique and effective approach to HIPAA compliance.

5. Do I have to pay a "per user" license fee to order any of your products on CD-ROM?

No. There is no "per user" fee. All members of the HIPAA compliance team within a single covered entity may use our products for the one-time license fee. Prices vary from state to state.

6. Do I have to pay extra for product updates?

Yes. There is a nominal annual yearly subscription charge for updates that are issued and for continued customer support. The update fee varies according to the version of the product you have purchased.

7. Is the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit a HIPAA gap analysis tool?

The Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit contains a complete gap analysis component, but it also includes many other features, such as document templates. Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit is a complete solution for HIPAA privacy and security compliance. For more information about the contents of the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit click here.

8. What sort of training and experience do I need in order to be able to use any of the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit CD-ROM HIPAA products?

The only skills needed to use any of the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit's CD-ROM HIPAA Products effectively are basic computer literacy and familiarity with programs such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint. No HIPAA knowledge or experience is required since the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit's methodology includes in-depth training for all compliance team members.

9. Is there any support available for the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit Products?

Yes. Telephone support is available for installation problems, to report a suspected product defect, and for any other questions. Email support is also available at info@ushealthcarecompliance.com. In addition, individual, fee-based, support is available from our HIPAA experts.

10. Do you guarantee that I will be HIPAA compliant if I use the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit?

No. While we have taken great pains to ensure that all Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit, materials are useful and accurate, there is no express or implied warranty to this effect. Full compliance with HIPAA regulations for any given organization depends on factors that are beyond the control of US Healthcare Compliance. Therefore, our end-user license agreement states clearly that our liability does not extend beyond refunding the purchase price of the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit.

11. Have the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit materials been reviewed by a lawyer?

Yes. Several different law firms reviewed the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit. Additionally, legal counsel for a professional liability carrier reviewed Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit thoroughly prior to their suggesting it to their policy members as a HIPAA privacy solution. Furthermore, one of the main developers of the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit is a noted HIPAA expert and healthcare attorney. Ensuring that the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit materials and US Healthcare Compliance's services properly reflect the legal and regulatory framework of HIPAA is a continuous and on-going process. However, please note that information provided in the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit or as part of US Healthcare Compliance services does not constitute, and is no substitute for, legal or other professional advice. Users should consult their own legal or other professional advisors for individualized guidance regarding the application of the law to their particular situations, and in connection with other compliance-related concerns.

12. Will the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit be updated to reflect changes in the regulations?

Yes. Prompt attention will be given to any regulatory changes or clarification material that is published by HHS. Also, the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit is updated from time to time with material that reflects what US Healthcare Compliance experts have learned about more effective or efficient ways to achieve HIPAA compliance. This is why continued subscription to the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit updates is essential for all users!

13. Are any of the products and services available on a trial basis?

No. Due to the low price of the US Healthcare Compliance products and the nature of the material, we are not able to offer a trial version to the public. If you have questions please email info@USHealthcareCompliance.com.

14. What about state law preemption?

We have three versions so far: Standard Edition, California, and Conneticut Editions. If you are using the California customized version, then state law preemption issues have already been incorporated into the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit materials. For all other states, contact your local state medical associations for more information on your state's preeption laws.

15. What if I have already completed a project plan for HIPAA privacy compliance using another source, but I need help with Security Compliance?

Our HIPAA Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit includes not only all of the materials needed to conduct a Privacy compliance program, but also a complete Security compliance program. In addition, we have now included a new HIPAA Auditing Tool that will assist you to determine if your Privacy compliance is complete.

16. Why doesn't US Healthcare Compliance just sell individual sample HIPAA forms, such as the Notice of Privacy Practices?

US Healthcare Compliance does not sell our sample HIPAA forms individually because these forms alone would not be sufficient to prove HIPAA compliance. HIPAA requires that you not only have specific forms and documentation in place, such as the Notice of Privacy Practices, but also that you develop Policies and Procedures that are customized to your organization and implement them. We feel that it would be impossible to ascertain what is necessary for your organization without a complete understanding of the requirements and how they pertain to you. For that reason, the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit methodology provides you the education, organization, and sample documentation that is ready for your customization so that you can clearly understand what is required to prove HIPAA compliance and how you might best implement it.

17. Do you have a tool to help me audit my HIPAA compliance?

Yes, the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit contains guidance on how to audit your organization�s HIPAA Privacy compliance and also contains a Security Audit tool too.

18. Is customer support free?

Yes, customer support is free for the first calendar year in which you purchased your CD. At the beginning of each calendar year, there is a small subscription fee that will allow you to continue to receive customer support, receive our email newsletters, and receive the Privacy and Security Compliance Resource Kit updates to stay compliant with changes in HIPAA law.