ØGenerally, employer (Plan Sponsor) is not a HIPAA "Covered Entity" - Health Plan is. For fully insured plans, this typically means health insurer, HMO, EAP provider, etc. ØAs Covered Entities, health plans bear brunt of compliance requirements (your responsibilities become exponentially larger as quantity of data you receive increases) ØMeet with every service provider, or ensure that your broker or consultant has reviewed compliance requirements with each ØUse protected health information only for needed administration of benefit programs (HIPAAspeak: "Treatment, Payment and Health Care Operations) ØCollect (and release) only minimum data required to "do job" (e.g. enroll an employee, file claims, etc.) ØRestrict data to those persons who absolutely must use it ØEstablish "firewalls" and safeguards to protect data (separate locked files, restricted access, password protect systems) ØAppoint a Privacy Official (not required for fully insured plans that never receive PHI) ØCreate a Privacy Policy and distribute a Privacy Notice to participants Ø"Scrub" personally identifiable data from communications pieces, ID Cards, etc.

HIPAA, like COBRA before it, will continually change as new rules and regulations are released (for example, U.S. Dept. of HHS has yet to release enforcement rules for HIPAA). Ongoing compliance will require vigilance in remaining up to date on changing laws. It's vital your broker/consultant proactively work with your organization to review plans, identify problems and provide ongoing education to maximize performance of your benefit plans.

Other generations of wireless standards such as 802.11a and 802.11g include better encryption.

Wired Option

If you're computers and components (printers, modems, etc.) are in one room and your mobility within your office is not an issue, then a basic wired network solution is way to go. It's less expensive and an effective choice that gives you fastest data speed.

Those business offices that are stay with wired networks solutions do so because of cost and speed. Wired is cheaper and can deliver speeds far faster than wireless' 11 Mbps.

If there are just a few computers within same room that need connecting, it's relatively easy. All computers and components connect to a central device called Ethernet Internet gateway. It acts as a central hub, allowing all computers to share Internet access and each other's printers.

Most personal computers purchased today have built-in network cards (be sure to check before buying your newest PC) that makes connecting to gateway relatively straightforward. You may want to handle networking setup yourself or contact your local computer professional to handle setup.

The challenge comes when you try to link computers in separate rooms or on different floors. When you start drilling holes in walls containing pipes and wires, then is when you can get into a whole new level of difficulty in setup and maintenance.

Unless you're a telephone technician or really comfortable installing telephone lines, consider hiring a computer professional to install your wired office network for this setup and save yourself a time and aggravation.

Copyright Steven Presar