In looking at this article on HIPAA fines, it is clear that penalties from the Department of Health and Human Services for HIPAA violations are increasing. While the number of audits performed is still small, there is an upward trend in the frequency and fine amounts that will continue. Currently, the average settlement is 2 million dollars.

Even for patient data not covered by HIPAA requirements, the workers’ compensation industry still needs to guard patient information diligently. It is the ethically right thing to do, regardless of the government’s involvement.

For this reason, we have recently added the below language to our Rising brand promise:

“We treat our customers’ time, money, health and information as if it were our own.”