When it comes to safeguarding the important and sensitive information online, there are many factors that determine the same. One of the requirements is that of the stringent maintaining of the password. With the massive security and a structure that protects the passwords, the framework of the same becomes impenetrable.

The HIPAA Password Requirements mandate that there should be certain processes and procedures for the creation, amendment and securing the passwords. The passwords should be taken seriously until there is an equal alternative that is similar in nature and secure in its effect. The best way to comply with the HIPAA requirements is a two way authentication process. A strong and secure password can go a long way in protecting and safeguarding the sensitive health information.

HIPAA password requirements are listed in the Administrative Safeguards of the HIPAA Security Rule. In the section that refers to Security Awareness and Training, states Covered Entities must put in place “procedures for creating, changing and safeguarding passwords”.

What are HIPAA Password Requirements?

HIPAA sets regulatory standards that require the organizations to comply with the safety standards when it comes to the sensitive information available online. The HIPAA standard should have some policy or procedure that corresponds to the safety of the information of the patients. Under the HIPAA SECURITY RULE, there are mainly three categories of HIPAA standards:

• Technical: The technical category deals with the electronic Protected Health Information. These security standards address safeguards that must be in place to protect infrastructure that can access, handle, or store electronic protected health information (ePHI). It implies that the organizations must haveanti-virus software, data encryption, and firewalls.
• Physical: These security standards address safeguards that must be in place to protect the physical premises of an organization. Examples include having locks on doors, placing screen protectors on computers, and ensuring that papers containing protected health information (PHI) are not publicly viewable.
• Administrative: These security standards address safeguards that must be in place to guide staff on the actions they should take to maintain the security and integrity of PHI. Examples include authorization of access to PHI, employee training, and password management.