What is the Origin of Reporting a Data Breach?

This procedure is a direct requirement of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, which strengthened the enforcement of HIPAA's security rules. The origin is rooted in the recognition that as health records became digitized, the potential for large-scale security incidents increased, necessitating a formal, standardized response protocol to protect patient privacy.

What is the Mechanism of Reporting a Data Breach?

The mechanism involves immediate internal investigation upon discovery of a breach to determine the scope, identifying all affected individuals, and then submitting formal notification within a specified time frame, typically 60 days. The notification must detail the nature of the information compromised and the steps the entity is taking to mitigate future risks. For non-HIPAA entities, the mechanism is governed by FTC rules, which also mandate notification to consumers.

Reporting a Data Breach ∞ Area

Reporting a Data Breach

Meaning

Reporting a Data Breach is the mandatory, regulated process by which a covered entity or a business associate notifies affected individuals, and often governmental agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), following the unauthorized acquisition, access, use, or disclosure of unsecured protected health information (PHI). This clinical and legal obligation is designed to protect individuals from identity theft or other harms resulting from the compromise of their sensitive health records. Timeliness and accuracy are paramount in this reporting process.