3 Important Facts about HIPPA Compliance that Could Save You Thousands

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPPA, is a commonly referenced compliance policy that supports the protection of private medical information. But did you know that HIPPA violations can result in civil and criminal penalties with huge fines attached?

You might be wondering what HIPPA really means for someone managing their end of life IT Assets. Read on for three important facts about HIPPA from the American Medical Association that could save you thousands:

If you violate HIPPA without knowing it….

If you violate HIPPA without knowing it, you can be fined $100 per violation up to $50,000 per violation. This includes improperly recycled or sanitized computers that aren’t completely wiped of Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Improperly recycled electronics provide the opportunity for disorganized recycling brokers to pass unsanitized electronics off at your expense. Working with a IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) partner with secure quality-control and tracking systems will drastically reduce your liability for future HIPPA violations.

Willful neglect of HIPPA policy…

Willful neglect of HIPPA policy is a federal crime, but there are a few caveats. If you violate HIPPA on purpose but with a reasonable cause, you can be fined $1,000 per violation up to $50,000 per violation. If you violate it on purpose but it is corrected within 30 days, you could be fined $10,000 per violation up to $50,000 per violation. If you violate it on purpose and with no correction, you could be fined $50,000, period.

If you knowingly obtain or disclose individually identifiable health information…

If you knowingly obtain or disclose individually identifiable health information or use false pretenses, you could be fined up to $50,000 and face imprisonment up to one year. If you obtain or disclose information under false pretenses allow penalties to be increased to a $100,000 fine, with up to five years in prison. Intent to sell, transfer, or use individually identifiable health information for commercial advantage, personal gain or malicious harm permit fines of $250,000, and imprisonment for up to ten years. All of these are reasons to work with an ITAD partner that prioritizes security and strict employment requirements, leaving your end of life equipment in trustworthy hands.

Secure the future of your company by partnering with an ITAD partner who prioritizes your information security and won’t cut corners when it comes to staffing and recycling services. Whether you are looking for sanitization or destruction services, MPC understands the importance of data security and offers audited processes that provide peace of mind that all data security risks are eliminated. Contact MPC-e.com today to schedule your free consultation or download our FREE Data Security Checklist guide today!