Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health
What is HITECH?
Effective September 23, 2009, Health and Human Services (HSS) implemented the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act requiring covered entities under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and their Business Associates to provide notification in the case of breaches of “unsecured Protected Health Information”(PHI). Guidelines specifying the methods that render PHI unusable, unreadable or indecipherable for relief from the breach notification requirement are also in the Act.
What does HITECH require?
A covered entity must notify each individual whose unsecured PHI has been believed to have been accessed, acquired, used or disclosed as a result of a breach. Should a reach involve more than 500 residents of a state, the covered entity must notify HSS and the media.
Business Associates (third-party administrators or service providers) requiring access to insecure PHI are also required to notify covered entities of breaches that occur while in their possession. Additionally, the Act stipulates that encryption of electronic PHI and physical destruction of paper PHI are the only two methodologies allowed for covered entities to be relieved of the breach notification requirement.
Why does HITECH matter?
Fines for non-compliance are expected to significantly increase over time. State Attorney Generals, the Federal Trade Commission and Health and Human Services all have mandates to prosecute with increased scrutiny. Putting PHI in the hands of shredding providers does not absolve covered entities from paying for costly and time-consuming breach notifications. Covered entities are not absolved until PHI is physically destroyed.
For more information about HITECH, please visit: Health Information Privacy
A partner in compliance.
With ISO 9001 certified processes and over 30 years experience, covered entities trust PROSHRED® to be an unparalleled extension of their organization to meet the HITECH Act requirements. We end breach notification fears immediately by destroying all PHI on-site at the client location.
PROSHRED® ensures the highest level of security and delivers professional, knowledgeable service at a cost-effective and environmentally conscious value.
What Are People Saying About PROSHRED®
Proshred is a fantastic company to work with. They’re reliable, efficient, affordable, and so personable. We were so happy with them and I would like... read moreProshred is a fantastic company to work with. They’re reliable, efficient, affordable, and so personable. We were so happy with them and I would like to recommend their services. Thank you Proshred! read less
Patty4/21/2018I walk in to the store when my "shred pile" builds up and they take care of it right away. Fast, friendly and available!... read moreI walk in to the store when my "shred pile" builds up and they take care of it right away. Fast, friendly and available! Thats what you want! read less
J. Tate12/05/2014Pro Shred is amazing!! I cannot say enough about this company. Start up is simple and hassle free. They are willing to work out... read morePro Shred is amazing!! I cannot say enough about this company. Start up is simple and hassle free. They are willing to work out any changes with total ease. The pricing is fantastic and the crew is always friendly.I've used Pro Shred at several companies, and they do not disappoint! Thank you!!MARIA HULLFinancial ManagerSatko Oral Surgery read less
Satko Oral Surgery Oral surgery12/05/2018We just started using Proshed and love the convenience. A member of my team walked out with the gentleman to the truck and was... read moreWe just started using Proshed and love the convenience. A member of my team walked out with the gentleman to the truck and was impressed with the way the operation works to shred the documents on site.Thank you. read less
Carol McCadd12/05/2016Our office has used Proshred for all of our document destruction for the past several years. The sales and scheduling staff have been very... read moreOur office has used Proshred for all of our document destruction for the past several years. The sales and scheduling staff have been very accommodating to meet our scheduling requirements. The drivers always call ahead and are courteous and friendly upon arrival. We feel confident that when confidential documents leave our office, they are being handled in a safe and secure manner since shredding is completed on site. Proshred is highly recommended by our office. read less
Laura Lestinsky12/05/2014I brought 40 lbs of paper to get shredded during their open door, 3rd Saturday. They weighed my stuff and then I got to watch... read moreI brought 40 lbs of paper to get shredded during their open door, 3rd Saturday. They weighed my stuff and then I got to watch my items get shredded. I just wish they were a bit closer to Chicago proper. read less
Paquita Poindexter12/05/2017ProShred came highly recommended to me for a recent fundraising event. Now I can highly recommend them based on their excellent service, professionalism and... read moreProShred came highly recommended to me for a recent fundraising event. Now I can highly recommend them based on their excellent service, professionalism and assistance in helping with our event. Their personnel were excellent to work with and they gave us great guidance as we put our program together. Thanks to ProShred for a job well done. read less
Robin12/02/2017