HIPPA Interview Questions and Answers

Ques 1. What is the main purpose of HIPAA?

HIPAA aims to protect the privacy and security of individuals' health information.

Ques 2. What are the two main rules under HIPAA?

HIPAA consists of the Privacy Rule and the Security Rule.

Ques 3. Define PHI (Protected Health Information).

PHI includes any individually identifiable health information.

Example:

Patient names, addresses, birthdates, and medical records.

Ques 4. Explain the minimum necessary rule in HIPAA.

Covered entities must limit the use and disclosure of PHI to the minimum necessary to accomplish the intended purpose.

Ques 5. What is a HIPAA Business Associate?

A Business Associate is a person or entity that performs certain functions or activities involving the use or disclosure of PHI on behalf of, or provides services to, a covered entity.

Example:

A third-party billing company hired by a healthcare provider.

Ques 6. What is the role of the Privacy Officer in a healthcare organization?

The Privacy Officer is responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with HIPAA's Privacy Rule.

Ques 7. Explain the concept of the 'minimum necessary' standard in the Privacy Rule.

Covered entities must only use or disclose the minimum necessary PHI to accomplish the intended purpose.

Ques 8. What is the OCR (Office for Civil Rights) and its role in HIPAA enforcement?

The OCR is responsible for enforcing HIPAA rules and ensuring compliance. It investigates complaints, conducts audits, and provides guidance to covered entities.

Ques 9. What is the difference between HIPAA's Privacy Rule and Security Rule?

The Privacy Rule focuses on protecting the privacy of individually identifiable health information, while the Security Rule addresses the security of electronic protected health information (ePHI).

Ques 10. Explain the concept of 'de-identification' of PHI.

De-identification involves removing or altering identifiers from health information to reduce the risk of identification while still allowing data to be used for certain purposes.

Ques 11. What is the purpose of the HITECH Act in relation to HIPAA?

The HITECH Act enhances and expands HIPAA requirements, including increased penalties for non-compliance and improved enforcement mechanisms.

Ques 12. How does HIPAA address the use of electronic signatures in healthcare transactions?

HIPAA allows the use of electronic signatures, provided they meet specific requirements for security and authentication.

Ques 13. What is the 'Right of Access' under HIPAA?

The Right of Access allows individuals to obtain a copy of their health information held by covered entities within 30 days of the request.

Ques 14. How does HIPAA address the use of social media in healthcare?

Healthcare providers must be cautious when using social media to avoid disclosing PHI. Policies and training are essential to ensure compliance.

Ques 15. Explain the concept of 'Authorization' under HIPAA.

Authorization is the process of obtaining written permission from an individual before using or disclosing their PHI for purposes not covered by the Privacy Rule.