Data security and HIPAA compliance are crucial for hospitals, requiring a delicate balance between protection and accessibility. Medical security assurance is important not only for the provider but for the patient as well, which is why NJSISM is a necessity for state hospitals. NJSISM, The New Jersey State Information Security Manual, is a comprehensive framework designed to empower state hospitals with the tools and strategies necessary for safeguarding sensitive patient data while ensuring regulatory compliance.
The NJSISM covers various aspects of information security, such as governance, risk management, policies and procedures, awareness and training, incident response, disaster recovery, and auditing. The NJSISM also aligns with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, a voluntary set of standards and best practices for enhancing cybersecurity. Additionally, The NJSISM can help state hospitals comply with the eCFR 45 CFR Part 164 by providing a comprehensive and consistent approach to information security management. The eCFR 45 CFR Part 164 establishes the minimum requirements for securing and safeguarding ePHI by covered entities and business associates. The eCFR 45 CFR Part 164 consists of four subparts: A (General Provisions), C (Security Standards for the Protection of Electronic Protected Health Information), D (Notification in the Case of Breach of Unsecured Protected Health Information), and E (Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information).
Practical Implementation: Examples of NJSISM
The practical utility of NJSISM becomes evident in several key areas:
- Risk Assessment: The framework aids in conducting comprehensive risk assessments, a critical requirement under HIPAA, ensuring that state hospitals identify and prioritize risks to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of ePHI.
- Appointment of a Security Official: In accordance with HIPAA, every state hospital must designate a security official responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures that ensure the security of ePHI. NJSISM aids state hospitals in meeting this obligation by providing guidance and support on best practices for protecting patient data
- Policy Development: NJSISM encourages the development and maintenance of information security policies and procedures based on industry standards and best practices, thereby enabling compliance with HIPAA's policy and documentation requirements.
- Security Training: It facilitates the creation of robust information security awareness and training programs, ensuring that all employees, contractors, vendors, and authorized users who access or handle ePHI are well-informed.
- Incident Response and Disaster Recovery: NJSISM guides state hospitals in establishing comprehensive incident response and disaster recovery plans, critical components of HIPAA compliance, and essential for mitigating the impact of security incidents or emergencies.
- Auditing and Evaluation: The framework mandates periodic audits and reviews of information security controls and performance, aligning with HIPAA's requirement for a technical and nontechnical evaluation of security standards.
As the healthcare industry moves increasingly towards electronic health records, the security of patient data becomes a critical concern. NJSISM offers state hospitals a rigorous and thorough framework for information security management, going beyond the requirements of HIPAA compliance to ensure the highest level of protection for sensitive health information. By implementing NJSISM, state hospitals can enhance their defenses against cyber threats and safeguard the privacy of their patients. To learn more about the Aptimized Security Practice, click here.