Recently, HHS reiterated that severe consequences can be imposed for HIPAA violations, regardless of whether a business is still operational. If HIPAA violations were committed, a business can be charged long after its doors close. Moreover, providers working with associates who shut down operations or went bankrupt are equally liable for HIPAA violations those associates committed.

Therefore, providers, and their business associates, in possession of records containing private health information must ensure the adequate destruction of such documents and security of their content to protect patients' information and avoid charges of up to $100,000.

If you require expert legal guidance with respect to HIPAA compliance, please do not hesitate to call one of the experienced healthcare attorneys at (212) 668-0200 or email the firm at info@mdrxlaw.com.