HITECH Compliance Support

Stay in line with regulations set forth by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH).

What is HITECH Compliance?

HITECH Compliance refers to adhering to the rules and regulations set forth by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, which was enacted in 2009 to promote the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology (particularly electronic health records, or EHRs).

HITECH is closely tied to HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and strengthens its privacy and security protections.

Why HITECH Compliance Support Matters

Non-compliance with HITECH guidelines can lead to fines, a lack of patient trust, and ineligibility for certain federal programs and incentives.

dynamic - NIST - icon1

Financial penalties

A failure to protect health records can lead to hefty civil and criminal penalties, as well as direct liabilities.
dynamic - NIST - icon2

Data breaches

Without the proper security controls laid out in the HITECH guidelines, you risk exposing sensitive health records.
dynamic - NIST - icon3

Lost opportunities

Losing eligibility leads to a loss of federal financial incentives and payments.

dynamic - NIST - icon4

Reputation damage

A data breach that exposes health records severely damages trust in your brand.

Our HITECH Compliance Process

Our HITECH compliance support services are designed to make achieving and maintaining compliance as painless as possible. We can provide you with:

  • Implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards for personal health records
  • Train your employees on privacy and security policies
  • Conduct regular risk assessments
  • Put in place breach notification procedures
  • Ensure proper data encryption and secure access controls

dynamic - NIST - blog-1

From Our Blog 

Compliance Audits: What They Are, Why They Matter

 

Compliance audits may sound like a boring topic to dive into, but for small and mid-sized businesses they are a vital part of maintaining trust, security, and operational stability.

They’re also a strategic necessity in today’s business, ensuring your organization not only avoids stiff legal penalties, but identifies gaps in your processes and IT systems that can drag down productivity. 

At its core, a compliance audit is a comprehensive review of your organization’s ability to adhere to external laws, regulations, and guidelines created by a 3rd party such as a client, vendor, or government agency. They generally answer three questions:

 1. Is sensitive information being stored, transmitted, and protected properly?

2. Are your business processes documented and designed to meet regulatory requirements?

3. Do you have sufficient security measures and controls necessary to meet current compliance standards?

In many ways, these questions are like the ones a physician might ask you at the start of an annual check-up, only the patient is your business.

Compliance audits also provide very real benefits for small and mid-sized businesses.

First and foremost, they protect your reputation. Few things undermine trust like a data breach, after all, since customers and partners generally want to work with businesses that are committed to protecting sensitive information.

Then there’s the whole legal and financial penalties factor, which can be devastating for small and mid-sized businesses in particular. 

And finally, regular compliance audits help you improve your operational efficiency since the simple act of preparing for an audit forces you to evaluate and refine your processes.

 

Schedule a Call

Get the most out of your organization's IT

Get in touch with us today   dyn_arrow

Our Core Services

It’s time to partner with an IT services firm that truly understands your complex business and needs. Our services integrate four core offerings and are designed for top-performing small to mid-sized businesses in the Pacific Northwest with 20+ employees.

Managed IT Services

Make IT yours with comprehensive managed IT solutions tailored to your firm's unique model and goals.

IT Consulting

Take IT to the next level with a top-tier technology partner that goes deeper to deliver on your evolving business needs.

Cyber Security

Lock IT down to protect your business, data, and clients with security services engineered for complexity and compliance.

IT Audits

Uncover your IT potential with a systematic review of your IT strengths and weaknesses.

We Do IT Differently

A partner rather than a provider, we’re an extension of your team, delivering a personalized IT experience you won’t get elsewhere.

Hand with dollar sign icon

Predictable Pricing

A fixed-fee subscription model provides cost certainty, allowing you to budget with confidence.
Handshake icon

Concierge-Level Service

A dedicated primary technician delivers white-glove service at every touch point.

Lightbulb over head icon

Only Experts

A team of senior specialists from every IT discipline provides the right solution every time.
Chart up and to the right icon

Start Smart

A deep-dive foundational assessment identifies and prioritizes your needs right from the start.
Bagde with check mark icon

Compliance Experts

Deep expertise in standards such as PCI, HIPAA, CMMC, and SOX keeps you compliant.
Three people icon

100% Local

Based right in your backyard, our entire team is local to the Pacific Northwest.
Chat bubbles icon

Committed to Communication

Always up to speed on your IT, your team is quick to respond with a clear plan of action.
Four hands interconnected icon

Personalized Support

Real support from real people who know you and your business, not an automated system.

More About Compliance Support Services

dyn_audit_benefits

The Benefits of an Audit-First Approach

Too often companies find themselves trapped in a cycle of reactive decisions when it comes to their IT infrastructure...

Read More

dyn - CMMC Compliance - hero

Understanding CMMC Compliance

In this era of heightened cybersecurity threats, businesses working with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) must...

Read More

dyn - pci compliance - hero

Making Sense of PCI Compliance

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is designed to protect payment information from...

Read More

Get IT Right This Time

You deserve focused, expert-managed IT services that meet your complex needs.

FAQs

What is HITECH?

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act was enacted in 2009 to promote the adoption and “meaningful use” of electronic health records (EHRs). It also expanded the privacy and security protections of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

How is HITECH different from HIPAA?

HIPAA established standards for protecting health information. HITECH:

  • Strengthens HIPAA’s enforcement
  • Introduces breach notification requirements
  • Expands compliance obligations to business associates (not just covered entities)
  • Encourages the use of secure EHRs through incentive programs
Who must comply with HITECH?

Covered Entities (healthcare providers, hospitals, insurers).

Business Associates (vendors or service providers that handle protected health information on behalf of covered entities).

What are the key requirements for HITECH compliance?
  • Use certified EHR technology meaningfully
  • Protect electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI) with administrative, technical, and physical safeguards
  • Notify affected individuals, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the media in the event of a breach
  • Conduct regular risk assessments
  • Train staff on privacy and security best practices
What is a “breach” under HITECH?

A breach is any unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of unsecured PHI that compromises its privacy or security. Common examples include:

  • Lost laptops or mobile devices
  • Cyberattacks or ransomware
  • Improper disposal of patient records
  • Unauthorized employee access
What are the penalties for non-compliance?

HITECH increased penalties significantly. Violations can result in:

  • Civil penalties up to $1.5 million per year per violation type
  • Criminal charges in cases of willful neglect or malicious intent
  • Loss of patient trust and reputational damage