HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) Policies and Procedures and Documentation Requirements

• Policies and Procedures

  164.316(a) - Implement reasonable and appropriate policies and procedures to comply with the standards, implementation specifications, or other requirements of this subpart, taking into account those factors specified in 164.306(b)(2)(i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) [the Security Standards: General Rules, Flexibility of Approach]. This standard is not to be construed to permit or excuse an action that violates any other standard, implementation specification, or other requirements of this subpart. A covered entity may change its policies and procedures at any time, provided that the changes are documented and are implemented in accordance with this subpart.

• Documentation

  164.316(b)(1) - (i) Maintain the policies and procedures implemented to comply with this subpart in written (which may be electronic) form; and (ii) if an action, activity or assessment is required by this subpart to be documented, maintain a written (which may be electronic) record of the action, activity, or assessment.

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