The current healthcare crisis has definitely changed the game for everyone. As many of us have started working from home, the need and demand for online meetings capabilities is at an all-time high.
In my previous article, What Can Businesses Do to Mitigate Disruptions Caused by the Coronavirus Pandemic, I recommended investing in online meeting platforms as one of the essential “Survival Kit” elements all organizations should consider. Over the last week or so, since I published that article, the high demand for several online platforms (i.e. – Zoom, MS Teams, Google) has been well documented. Some companies have provided their online meeting services free of charge. Bravo! Bravo!
Companies are experiencing a paradigm shift, a new norm, as they work to equip their newly established remote workforces with productivity tools. These tools will hopefully provide staff with some semblance of a normal work day. However, businesses must take into account several considerations. For example, how will companies protect their networks, and their people, while connected to the Internet? What about the mental and physical well-being of their staff who need to see a doctor or a therapist?
Cybersecurity Considerations
As companies adapt to the new norm, increasing their workforce online capabilities, they must consider investing more in resources that will protect their networks from cyber-attacks. They must also increase their employees’ awareness of possible risks. Two strategies are as follows:
1. Arm employees with information so they are aware of the ways they could be attacked by hackers.
2. Employ endpoint monitoring devices that would detect and prevent potential breaches.
If this capability is not in-house, businesses can outsource these services.
Another consideration business leaders should take into account is the health and wellbeing of its employees. As the current healthcare crisis persists, the need for virtual physical health care and mental health care access will also increase.
Impacts on the Telehealth Industry
As the need for virtual doctors’ appointments and therapy sessions rise, it will be very important for healthcare providers, and business leaders, to understand how laws and regulations (privacy, data breach notification, etc.) may impact them. As healthcare providers conduct more telehealth sessions, via a wide array of platforms, they must know if the platforms they choose are in compliance with privacy laws and regulations. Some of the questions providers must consider are as follows:
1. Is the meeting platform compliant with laws and regulations like HIPAA or CFR 42?
2. Will online teletherapy sessions be private?
3. What are the added risks that come with having more virtual appointments with patients?
4. How do we obtain the appropriate consent before virtual sessions?
The good news is the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) will not impose penalties on providers who use non-HIPAA compliant remote communications technology during this healthcare crisis. Specifically, the OCR is allowing telehealth care providers to use platforms such as FaceTime, Google Hangouts, and Skype. Why? Because the entire country is on lockdown and it appears for now, telehealth will be the only way for some doctors and some therapists to see and treat their patients.[1]
What should Telehealth Care Providers Consider?
- Privacy is not guaranteed on these non-HIPAA compliant platforms.
- Ensure encryption and privacy features are enabled whenever possible.
- Facebook Live, Tik Tok, Twitch, and other public facing video platforms should be avoided.
- Although platforms such as Google Hangout and Skype are currently sanctioned by OCR, due to the health care crisis, it is still recommended that providers (if possible) use HIPPA complaint telehealth platforms.
Are there other considerations for healthcare providers in the virtual world? I would like to hear what you think. Post your comments.
Stay safe and healthy!
#mentalhealth #telehealth #StayHealthy #WorkFromHome #Remoteworkforce #productivitytools #remoteemployees #businesstools #Cybersecurity #ITRisk
@Arthur Gluzman @Shawn Fair @Anneshia Freeman
[1] https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/ocr-will-ease-restrictions-telehealth-tech-during-covid-19
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