HIPAA Hybrid Entity Status

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A closer look at HIPAA Hybrid Entity Status

Becoming a Hybrid Entity is Important for Data Sharing 

To improve important data sharing, health departments that elected to be fully covered by HIPAA should now re-evaluate the option to generally restrict HIPAA to only those programs that are required under law to comply with HIPAA. This is known as becoming a hybrid entity.

Periodically Re-assessing Hybrid Status is Critical for Compliance

Health departments should periodically re-evaluate HIPAA coverage. Changes in organizational structure, function or technology may cause changes in HIPAA classification. Failure to ensure that all components are currently and properly HIPAA assessed may result in significant regulatory exposure to enforcement action, including civil monetary penalties. Additionally, health departments’ re-assessment of HIPAA coverage may result in cost savings through reduced compliance burden and regulatory exposure.

Health departments that have not re-assessed their HIPAA coverage since 2013, should do so now, as changes in law dictate different results for both hybrid entities as well as health departments that are fully covered by HIPAA.

For background on HIPAA, including definitions, view/download Read Me First.