Secure Enterprise Messaging Insights

HIPAA Compliant Texting

Benefits of a HIPAA Compliant Texting Solution

Hospitals, medical practices and healthcare providers are increasingly turning to text messaging to improve internal communications. But to ensure the privacy and security of patient information, healthcare professionals and practitioners are required to use a HIPAA compliant texting solution that minimizes the risk of security breaches and data loss.


HIPAA Compliant Texting Requirements

Text messaging is a fast, user-friendly solution that simplifies the outdated communications processes (e.g., pagers and loudspeakers) that most hospitals and doctor's offices have historically relied upon. In the healthcare sector, organizations that implement HIPAA compliant texting are doing so with the end goal of improving communication between employees and streamlining internal processes.

But as the availability of technology has increased, so has the risk of exposing sensitive communications to vulnerabilities and breaches. And it's because of this increased risk that healthcare organizations are required to follow a specific set of guidelines.

According to HIPAA regulations, healthcare providers and the technology partners that provide HIPAA compliant texting solutions must implement various safeguards to secure patients' Protected Health Information (PHI):

  • Administrative: includes the development of formal processes to secure PHI and improve internal communication practices.
  • Physical: targets the security of buildings and IT infrastructure that is used for electronic communications and electronic information systems.
  • Technical: addresses a range of technical requirements (e.g., access, audit controls, person/entity authentication, transmission security, etc.) that are designed to protect patient information.
  • Policies and Procedures: involves the creation of policies and procedures to achieve compliance with HIPAA standards and requirements.

Benefits of a HIPAA Compliant Texting Solution

Failure to comply with HIPAA regulations can lead to serious penalties, including a $50,000 fine for a single infraction and up to $1.5 million for repeat violations. But the organizational and operational benefits of a secure HIPAA compliant texting solution are significant and include:

  • Improved Workflow -- Your workforce can coordinate and communicate in a secure and efficient manner. Encrypted messaging enables the sharing of X-rays, prescribed medications, treatment schedules and more.
  • More Patients Seen and Treated -- Doctors and nurses can notify one another if a patient has been seen and treated without having to physically locate the other person within a hospital or practice. The ability to share sensitive information via messaging allows for quicker treatment of patients.
  • Streamlined Communications -- Pagers and loudspeakers are antiquated methods for trying to locate hospital personnel. You can find exactly who you are looking for by sending a simple SMS message, and then direct them to the area within the hospital or practice where they are needed.
  • Zero Compliance Fines -- Healthcare organizations that are not in compliance with HIPAA messaging regulations can face steep fines, as well as other sanctions. Ensuring that your practice or institution falls within the parameters of HIPAA compliant texting will help you avoid unnecessary penalties.

HIPAA Compliant Texting Solutions with NetSfere

NetSfere provides healthcare organizations with a private, highly secure and easy-to-manage HIPAA compliant texting platform. Our user-friendly app can be easily installed on any corporate-owned or Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) mobile device, optimizing your internal communications.

To learn more about NetSfere's HIPAA compliant texting solutions, schedule a free trial or contact us today to get started.