IAM for Healthcare: Compliance and Securing Patient Data

Introduction

In the world of healthcare, protecting patient data is of utmost importance. One of the ways to achieve this is by implementing proper identity and access management frameworks. In this blog post, we'll explore IAM for healthcare and how it can ensure compliance and secure patient data.

IAM for Healthcare: What Is It?

The combination of rules, practices, and technological tools known as IAM are used in healthcare organizations to monitor and regulate access to patient data and systems. IAM ensures that only those with the proper authorization are allowed access to sensitive patient information on a need-to-know basis.

User authentication, access control, user provisioning and deprovisioning, and audit logs are some of the components of IAM for healthcare. These elements work together to support healthcare institutions in preserving the privacy, accuracy, and accessibility of patient data.

Why is IAM Important for Healthcare?

For a number of reasons, IAM is essential for healthcare businesses. 

1. It aids in ensuring compliance, which is necessary by law for healthcare institutions handling sensitive patient data. Healthcare organizations must adopt reasonable and suitable administrative, physical, and technological precautions to secure patient information against unauthorized access in accordance with compliance standards.
2. IAM assists healthcare organizations in preventing security incidents and data breaches. IAM lowers the risk of insider threats and other security issues by restricting access to patient data to those who need it and managing who has access to it.
3. By improving the processes for user provisioning and deprovisioning, IAM aids healthcare organizations in increasing operational efficiency by automating certain activities that save time and lower the risk of mistakes.

There are various processes involved when implementing an IAM framework in a healthcare organization. These include:

• Performing a risk assessment: A risk assessment aids healthcare organizations in identifying possible weak points and security threats to patient data.
• Creating IAM policies and processes: Healthcare organizations should create policies and procedures outlining the proper implementation and safeguarding of user authentication, access control, user provisioning and deprovisioning, and audit logs.
• Selecting an IAM solution: Healthcare organizations should select an IAM solution that satisfies their unique needs and specifications.
• Performing employee training: Healthcare organizations should educate staff members on the value of IAM and the proper application of IAM policies and procedures.
• Monitoring and auditing access: Healthcare organizations should routinely monitor and audit user access to patient data to make sure that access is only granted on a need-to-know basis.

Conclusion

In an industry where the data being managed carries a significant premium on the dark web, it makes the case for prioritizing the implementation of a solid IAM framework. Healthcare data is extremely valuable to bad actors due the the fact that it has a much longer lifespan of applicability when compared to other data being brokered in the dark web. IAM can help with operational efficiency, security breach prevention, and ensuring compliance. By adhering to the best IAM practices, healthcare providers can safeguard patient data and maintain their patients' trust.

Identity Fusion partners with leading healthcare providers across the United States, offering invaluable expertise in steering them through the complexities and subtleties of establishing a resilient IAM framework. This empowers them to fortify their security posture and enhance operational efficiency.  Reach out to us today to elevate your organization's performance.