This Assignment Consists Of Two Sections: A Written Paper

This Assignment Consists Of Two 2 Sections A Written Paper And A Po

This assignment consists of two (2) sections: a written paper and a PowerPoint presentation. You must submit both sections as separate files for the completion of this assignment. Label each file name according to the section of the assignment it is written for.

Health Information Technology (HIT) is a growing field within health services organizations today; additionally, health information security is a major concern among health organizations, as they are required to maintain the security and privacy of health information. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provides extensive information about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Visit the HHS Website, at , for more information about HIPAA requirements.

In March 2012, the HHS settled a HIPAA case with the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee (BCBST) for $1.5 million. Read more about this case at . As an IT security manager at a regional health services organization, your CIO has asked for the following: an analysis of this incident, an overview of the HIPAA security requirements necessary to prevent this type of incident, and a briefing for management on the minimum security requirements to be HIPAA compliant.

Section 1: Written Paper

1. Write a three to five (3-5) page paper in which you:

  • a. Describe the security issues of BCBST in regard to confidentiality, integrity, availability, and privacy based on the information provided in the BCBST case.
  • b. Describe the HIPAA security requirement that could have prevented each security issue identified if it had been enforced.
  • c. Analyze the corrective actions taken by BCBST that were efficient and those that were not adequate.
  • d. Analyze the security issues and the HIPAA security requirements and describe the safeguards that the organization needs to implement in order to mitigate the security risks. Ensure that you describe the safeguards in terms of administrative, technical, and physical safeguards.
  • e. Use at least three (3) quality resources in this assignment.

Note: Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as quality resources. Your written paper must follow these formatting requirements: This course requires use of new Student Writing Standards (SWS). The format is different than other Strayer University courses. Please take a moment to review the SWS documentation for details. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the source list are not included in the required page length.

Section 2: PowerPoint Presentation

2. Create a six to eight (6-8) slide PowerPoint presentation in which you:

  • a. Provide the following on the main body slides:
  • i. An overview of the security issues at BCBST
  • ii. HIPAA security requirements that could have prevented the incident
  • iii. Positive and negative corrective actions taken by BCBST
  • iv. Safeguards needed to mitigate the security risks

Your PowerPoint presentation must follow these formatting requirements: Include a title slide, four to six (4-6) main body slides, and a conclusion slide.

Note on Course Outcomes:

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: to summarize the legal aspects of the information security triad (availability, integrity, and confidentiality), to research legal issues in information security using technology and information resources, and to write clearly and concisely about information security legal issues and topics using proper writing mechanics and technical style conventions.

Paper For Above instruction

In the evolving landscape of health information technology (HIT), security and privacy concerns are paramount, especially with high-profile cases of data breaches such as the 2012 settlement involving Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee (BCBST). This paper analyzes the security issues highlighted by the BCBST case, examining vulnerabilities related to confidentiality, integrity, availability, and privacy. Moreover, it explores how specific HIPAA security measures could have prevented these issues, assesses the corrective actions undertaken by BCBST, and recommends comprehensive safeguards to mitigate future risks.

Security Issues of BCBST: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability, and Privacy

The BCBST case exposed significant security lapses affecting multiple facets of information security. Confidentiality was compromised when protected health information (PHI) was accessed or disclosed without proper authorization, risking patient privacy. Integrity issues arose when data was potentially altered or improperly maintained, undermining trust in the health information system. Availability was affected if data or services were disrupted by inadequate security controls, impeding timely access by authorized personnel. Lastly, privacy violations occurred due to insufficient safeguards around health data, leading to legal repercussions and erosion of patient trust. These issues underscore the importance of a robust security framework rooted in confidentiality, integrity, availability, and privacy principles.

HIPAA Security Requirements and Prevention of Security Issues

HIPAA stipulates comprehensive security standards including administrative, technical, and physical safeguards. Administrative safeguards involve policies and procedures to manage workforce conduct and security protocols. Technical safeguards encompass access controls, audit controls, and data encryption to protect electronic PHI (ePHI). Physical safeguards regulate physical access to facilities and hardware containing ePHI. Enforcement of these standards could have prevented BCBST’s security breaches by ensuring proper access controls, continuous monitoring, and data protection measures—such as encryption and rigorous employee training—were in place.

Analysis of Corrective Actions Taken by BCBST

Post-incident, BCBST implemented various corrective measures. Some actions, like updating security policies and enhancing data encryption, demonstrated effectiveness by strengthening data protection. Conversely, inadequate training and lack of comprehensive employee background checks represented ineffective strategies, leaving vulnerabilities unaddressed. These shortcomings highlight the need for proactive risk management, continuous staff education, and regular audits. Effective correction should encompass all facets of security control, focusing on prevention, detection, and rapid response to incidents.

Security Issues, HIPAA Security Requirements, and Mitigation Safeguards

To adequately mitigate future risks, BCBST must adopt a multi-layered security approach. Administrative safeguards should include routine security risk assessments, workforce training, and incident response planning. Technical safeguards must incorporate advanced access controls, encryption, and secure data transmission protocols. Physical safeguards should ensure restricted access to data centers and hardware, along with surveillance and environmental controls. Integrating these safeguards creates a resilient security posture aligned with HIPAA requirements, reduces vulnerabilities, and enhances compliance.

In conclusion, organizations like BCBST face continual challenges in maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of health information. Adherence to HIPAA security standards, coupled with comprehensive safeguarding strategies, is essential to protect sensitive data, maintain trust, and comply with legal obligations. Proactive security management, continuous improvement, and staff education are critical components in this endeavor to ensure the security and privacy of health information.

References

  • HHS. (n.d.). Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/index.html
  • Office for Civil Rights (OCR). (2014). Breach Portal: Notice to the Secretary of HHS Breach Reports. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
  • Adler-Milstein, J., & Jha, A. K. (2017). HITECH Act Drove Large Gains in Hospital Electronic Health Record Adoption. Health Affairs, 36(8), 1416–1422.
  • McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. (2017). Nursing Informatics and The Foundation of Knowledge. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
  • Sambamurthy, V., & Zmud, R. (2008). Research commentary—Bridging the enterprise and IT security gap. MIS Quarterly, 32(2), 381–394.
  • Raghupathi, W., & Raghupathi, V. (2014). Big data analytics in healthcare: promise and potential. Health Information Science and Systems, 2(1), 3.
  • Kruse, C. S., Frederick, B., Jacobson, T., & Monticone, D. K. (2017). Cybersecurity in Healthcare: A Systematic Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 19(1), e3.
  • McLeod, A., & McLeod, F. (2014). IS security: Hospital security policies and patient data confidentiality. Journal of Healthcare Information Management, 28(4), 47–52.
  • Ash, J. S., Sittig, D. F., Poon, E., et al. (2012). The impact of health information technology on patient safety. Journal of Patient Safety, 8(3), 100–107.
  • Ginter, P. M., Duncan, W. J., & Swayne, L. E. (2018). Strategic Management of Health Care Organizations. John Wiley & Sons.

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