Houston Shredding Service Eliminates HIPAA Problems When Health Care Providers Recycle
“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—But Shred First!” The desire to “go green” creates unique HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act) challenges for health care providers. Fortunately, the solution is as simple as using a qualified Houston shredding service that also specializes in recycling documents.
Recycling Non-Shredded Documents Poses a Problem
Under the rules of HIPAA, you must anticipate and protect patients against privacy violations. Unfortunately, documents sent out for recycling are in danger of having the confidential information contained in them viewed by any number of curious eyes. The danger might seem small – but keep in mind the large legal ramifications of violating HIPAA. You may also be surprised to know that even if the information is not exploited, the improper release is still a violation of HIPAA.
When is it okay to throw that piece of paper in the recycle bin and when do you need to destroy it first?
Like any fairly new regulation, HIPAA has created some confusion about the rules of the game. Many health care providers erroneously think they are not subject to HIPAA. The fact is, if you are a health care professional and you handle and create patient records, you are subject to HIPAA in one way or another. You might also be surprised by the scope of information that is considered “private.” Did you know documents containing information as simple as name, address, or date-of-birth can be considered a release of private information? For these reasons and more, you should seriously consider using Houston shredding services that will both shred and recycle your confidential healthcare documents.
Why use a Houston Shredding Service Instead of In-House Shredding?
You understand that it’s important to destroy those potentially risky documents, but isn’t in-house shredding good enough? A Houston shredding service can offer you several things that shredding yourself cannot. The first is peace-of-mind. Proper protocol and shredding of documents is a must when you’re destroying documents containing sensitive information. Choosing bonded and insured Destruction Service Technicians ensures the confidential records will be handled with diligence and care by a shredding service in Houston.
Additionally, when you opt for independent-party destruction, you will be issued a Certificate of Destruction that provides your company with an audit trail demonstrating you are in compliance with HIPAA.
Recycling Documents After Shredding May Still be a Great Idea
Once the sensitive information in your documents has been shredded and can no longer be exploited, you may want to “go green” after all. Shred ProServices provides Houston shredding services AND recycling!
For more information about professional document shredding, call Shred Pro Services today at 281-591-2288.