Content by Marianne Kolbasuk McGee

Protecting Big Data Used for Research

Marianne Kolbasuk McGee  •  January 25, 2013

As the National Institutes of Health ramps up research projects involving human genomes, electronic health records and other sensitive data, it's exploring the best ways to protect that data, says research director Eric Green, M.D., PhD.

Breach List: Business Associate Update

Marianne Kolbasuk McGee  •  January 24, 2013

The new omnibus rule makes it clear that business associates must comply with HIPAA. And the latest additions to the federal health data breach tally put a spotlight on why some BAs need to improve patient data protection.

HIPAA Omnibus: Impact on Breach Notices

Marianne Kolbasuk McGee  •  January 21, 2013

New guidance on when to notify authorities of a breach is one of the most significant provisions in the HIPAA omnibus final rule, experts say. Find out what other provisions are drawing attention.

NIST Tackles Health Data Exchange

Marianne Kolbasuk McGee  •  January 17, 2013

The National Institute of Standards and Technology plans to develop platform options for secure health information exchange, especially among smaller providers. But how soon will the platforms be available?

HIPAA Omnibus Rule Released

Marianne Kolbasuk McGee  •  January 17, 2013

The long overdue final HIPAA omnibus rule has been released. The package includes extensive modifications to the HIPAA privacy, security and enforcement rules as well as an updated version of the HIPAA breach notification rule.

Preventing Insider Medical ID Theft

Marianne Kolbasuk McGee  •  January 11, 2013

Three recent identity theft incidents highlight the need for healthcare organizations to stay vigilant in preventing fraud involving insiders. Security experts offer advice.

Cloud Computing: HIPAA's Role

Marianne Kolbasuk McGee  •  January 8, 2013

While a privacy advocate is demanding federal guidance on protecting health data in the cloud, one federal official says pending HIPAA modifications will help ensure patient data is safeguarded.

State Settles HIPAA Case for $140,000

Marianne Kolbasuk McGee  •  January 8, 2013

Massachusetts' attorney general fines a now-defunct medical billing firm and four pathology practices a total of $140,000 for HIPAA violations stemming from improper disposal of paper records.

Lessons from Business Associate Breach

Marianne Kolbasuk McGee  •  January 4, 2013

The recent theft of an unencrypted laptop from a healthcare business associate offers an important reminder: Double-check the security measures vendor partners take to protect patient information.

The Role of 'Intelligent Security'

Marianne Kolbasuk McGee  •  January 1, 2013

An evolving concept known as "intelligent security" involves using a combination of technologies to detect threats, helping security professionals become more proactive. Learn how pioneers are using the new approach.

Tips For Building A Privacy Culture

Marianne Kolbasuk McGee  •  December 26, 2012

Sometimes HIPAA training alone is just not enough to drill into peoples' heads why and how patient information needs to be protected. So, how are organizations getting medical staff to do the right thing?

Healthcare BYOD Perspectives

Marianne Kolbasuk McGee  •  December 21, 2012

While some healthcare organizations are quickly rolling out privacy and security policies for employee-owned mobile devices, others are moving slowly. What BYOD tips do healthcare security leaders offer?

How a Breach Led to Change in Culture

Marianne Kolbasuk McGee  •  December 18, 2012

A breach that resulted in a $1 million HIPAA settlement led Partners Healthcare in Boston to take many significant steps, including merging its privacy and security efforts, says CISO Jennings Aske. More changes are planned for 2013.

HIPAA Enforcer Reveals Audit Timeline

Marianne Kolbasuk McGee  •  December 14, 2012

HIPAA compliance audits will resume within about a year once results of a recently completed pilot program are reviewed, says Leon Rodriguez, director of the Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights.

HHS Offers Mobile Device Security Tips

Marianne Kolbasuk McGee  •  December 12, 2012

While unveiling a new online resource offering mobile device privacy and security tips to help prevent health data breaches, HHS officials also stress the need for annual risk assessments.