Consequences for HIPAA violations can often be quite harsh. If someone has breached the HIPAA privacy regulations – even without any malicious intent, civil penalties are applicable: $100 per violation for unawareness, a minimum of $1,000 for reasonable cause, a minimum of $10,000 if willful neglect is present and then rectified, and finally, a minimum of $50,000 for individuals who act with willful neglect and ignore the issue.
| Digital ExclusivePeter Swann, MD, FAAFP, FACOEM
Dr. Peter Swann is a board-certified family physician with a focus on patient health, wellness and prevention. He is also chief medical officer for ISOThrive, LLC (www.isothrive.com).