Privacy and Security in the Clinical Audiology Setting: Ohio Audiologists' Knowledge of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
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Date
2016
Authors
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Publisher
Ohio State University. Department of Speech and Hearing Science
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge possessed by
professionally licensed audiologists regarding the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and its implications for clinical audiological
practices. The study also aimed to examine the training and enforcement of HIPAA
regulations in audiology clinics and facilities. A 30-question survey was distributed to
professionally licensed audiologists in Ohio via an online survey instrument. The survey
focused on audiologists’ knowledge of HIPAA regulations as well as corresponding
sources of education and training. Subsequently, six pre-generated discussion questions
were electronically distributed to Ohio audiologists. The discussion questions focused on
the HIPAA training and education provided to audiologists in their employment settings.
The results of the study indicated that audiologists possess limited knowledge
regarding HIPAA regulations and that the majority of audiologists currently receive
annual training and education through electronic sources. The results of the current study
demonstrate the need for enhanced HIPAA training strategies in educating audiologists
regarding the importance of federal privacy and security regulations as well as
compliance with them.