What are the penalties for violating HIPAA?

Washington state has strict laws protecting the privacy of individuals. That includes laws on healthcare information, known as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA protects the private medical information you entrust to healthcare providers and insurance companies. Anyone who violates HIPAA can face serious consequences. Both civil and criminal penalties may be imposed. Civil penalties range from $100 to $50,000 per violation, depending on the level of negligence and the number of times the same person or organization violated HIPAA. The maximum penalty is $1.5 million annually. Criminal penalties are even more serious. A person who knowingly obtains or discloses protected health information can face up to a year in prison plus a $50,000 fine. That penalty increases to up to five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine if the HIPAA violation also involves more serious actions such as possession or sale. It’s important to understand that HIPAA applies to all healthcare providers, health plans, and health insurers. Everyone involved in providing or receiving healthcare services in Washington state must be aware of the law and ensure they remain in compliance. Fines and penalties for violating HIPAA can be very costly.

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