Patient privacy and security are not only essential for building client trust, but it’s also necessary under federal HIPAA laws. For many behavioral health providers, HIPAA can support clients and families struggling with recovery and mental illness through privacy protection or record sharing based on a patient’s request and needs. A secure and responsive electronic medical records management system can help providers and patients meet HIPPA guidelines for everyone’s needs, no matter their treatment journey.
Curious how your electronic medical records management could improve? The team at Sunwave Health can help your business thrive with our integrated and comprehensive HIPPA-compliant behavioral health software platform. Learn more about Sunwave Health’s EMS tools today by calling us at 561.576.6037.
What Does HIPAA Mean for Behavioral Health Providers?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that sets standards for the protection of personal health information. HIPAA applies to all healthcare providers, including behavioral health providers, and establishes requirements for the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI).
Under HIPAA, behavioral health providers are required to safeguard the privacy and security of PHI, and to only use or disclose PHI as permitted by law. This includes taking steps to protect the confidentiality of electronic PHI (ePHI) and to ensure that it is only accessed by authorized individuals.
Behavioral health providers must also obtain written consent from patients before using or disclosing their PHI, except in certain limited circumstances. Additionally, HIPAA requires behavioral health providers to provide patients with access to their PHI upon request and to allow patients to request that their PHI be amended or corrected.
HIPAA violations can result in fines and other penalties for providers. It is important for behavioral health providers to be familiar with HIPAA requirements and to have policies and procedures in place to ensure compliance.
Understanding HIPAA and EMS for Patients’ Families and Loved Ones
When given permission, a provider can share treatment information with a loved one. This might include access to records, billing, and medication management through mobile-friendly EMR. This can help loved ones support treatment plans, involve themselves in family therapy, and get a better understanding of the support their loved one needs throughout recovery.
One commonly used HIPAA regulation is family member communication. A concerned family member can reach out to a provider about their loved one, and the provider is not required to discuss the conversation with the person in treatment. This can help families and providers create guardrails for patients in crisis.
Integrate Your Behavioral Health EMR for HIPAA with Sunwave
HIPAA is designed to help patients receive the care they need, even when they cannot help themselves. For behavioral health patients, HIPAA can be a privacy gift and work as a support system for loved ones. With a rise in integrated behavioral health treatment, streamlined, mobile-friendly, easy-to-use EMR is essential.
If you’re ready to improve HIPAA compliance for patient success, Sunwave can help. Our easy-to-use EMR allows providers, patients, and loved ones to track treatment on phones, tablets, and PCs. Sunwave’s integrative software is designed for non-linear treatment journeys. Unlike other EMR and CRM software platforms, Sunwave provides a single system for patients and providers. On the forefront of accessible, value-based care with our EMR, your behavioral health business can improve client relations and retention, reduce admin workloads, and give clinicians more time with patients. Designed for client re-entry, integrative treatment, and value-based payments, our software is here to help you stay at the forefront of equitable behavioral health treatment under HIPAA regulations.
Learn More About What HIPAA Means for Behavioral Health Providers at Sunwave Health
Whether you’re looking for CRM, alumni management, or EMS, Sunwave is here to help. As experts in the behavioral health sectors, our software can help you increase revenue and work smarter so you can serve more patients, no matter where they are in their treatment journey. Call us now at 561.576.6037 or fill out our online form to learn more about how Sunwave can help your business thrive.
