Keeping Your Health Information Safe: Why Vendor Security & Compliance Matters

Most hospitals and clinics rely heavily on third-party vendors for various services. While these partnerships are critical to clinical and financial operations, they add complex layers to prioritizing data security and patient privacy.

Here's why vendor compliance is key:

• Patient information protection: Your medical records contain sensitive details. Choosing vendors with strong compliance policies and processes ensures this information is protected from unauthorized access.
• Reduced risk of breaches: Data breaches can be devastating. Choosing compliant vendors with robust security measures helps minimize the risk of compromised patient information.
• Peace of mind: Knowing your vendors prioritize security allows you to focus on delivering excellent patient care and improving your organization’s processes.
• Outsourced services: You should know how your vendors operate and whether they utilize outsourced or offshore resources. There could be multiple degrees of separation, but knowing your vendors’ vendors helps you calculate the additional levels of risk and propose ways to mitigate it.

How healthcare providers can ensure vendor compliance:

• Request proof: Request documentation outlining the vendor's data security and privacy policies. Understand their staff training processes and ask for proof that they’re following their policies.
• Conduct background checks: Research the vendor's track record with data security. We frequently see breach notifications posted, and this is not limited to small companies. Due diligence is key to knowing exactly who you’re working with and having confidence that they’re not increasing your risk level.
• Robust Business Associate Agreements (BAAs): These legally binding agreements ensure vendors adhere to HIPAA regulations (if applicable). Most are standard fare but don’t overlook the details in a vendor’s BAA and question anything that appears less than stellar.

Working with compliant vendors can strengthen healthcare providers' foundations for patient trust and data security. Healthcare consumers are becoming savvier in choosing providers and facilities. Ensure you have a competitive edge with best-in-class data security measures across all data access points. Don’t become a headline.