Studies show that rural healthcare centers may be more likely to face cyber threats, but these threats can be prevented with the right practices and software. A June 2024 policy brief from the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center, states that “Rural hospitals may be more susceptible to cybersecurity threats like ransomware attacks, due to under-resourced information technology (IT) infrastructure and staff. Second, the financial consequences of a ransomware attack may be especially dire for rural hospitals, given the already precarious financial circumstances that many face.”
Technology infrastructure hurdles
Many rural areas lack reliable high-speed internet access, making it difficult to implement modern security measures and encrypted communication systems. Additionally, the cost of updating legacy systems to meet HIPAA security requirements can strain limited budgets.
An article published in the International Medical Science Research Journal, highlights that “rural areas often lack robust telecommunications infrastructure and broadband connectivity, which are essential for deploying health informatics solutions such as telemedicine and EHRs. Limited internet access hinders the transmission of patient data, remote consultations, and real-time monitoring, posing a significant barrier to the adoption of digital health technologies.”
“Rural healthcare facilities face the same cyberattack threats to their ongoing operations and finances as larger healthcare systems, yet may lack the in-house staff and financial resources to protect their data or respond to an attack. Rural facilities may also be vulnerable to the impacts of attacks on other healthcare industry organizations they rely on, for example for outsourced services or payment. They are also charged with protecting the privacy and security of patient information, which is often a specific target of online attacks,” highlighted the Rural Health Information Hub.
According to the policy brief by the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center, “84% of ransomware attacks on rural hospitals resulted in operational disruptions. Common disruptions included electronic system downtime, delays or cancellations in scheduled care, and ambulance diversion.”
Read also: How rural healthcare organizations can protect data
Staffing and expertise gaps
Rural healthcare organizations often operate with minimal staff, with many employees wearing multiple hats. Finding and retaining qualified IT security professionals or dedicated privacy officers can be challenging. The shortage of specialized expertise means existing staff must manage compliance responsibilities alongside their primary duties, potentially leading to oversight gaps or compliance blind spots.
Read also: Staff training in rural clinics
Limited financial resources
Rural healthcare organizations often also have tight budgets, limiting their ability to invest in costly health informatics infrastructure and software. The cost of implementing and maintaining HIPAA compliant systems, conducting regular training, and performing required security assessments can be costly. Organizations must balance investing in compliance measures against other operational needs.
Training and education challenges
Maintaining ongoing HIPAA training programs is challenging in rural practices. Limited staff availability makes it difficult to schedule training sessions without disrupting patient care. Additionally, accessing quality training resources and keeping staff updated on the latest compliance requirements can be challenging in isolated areas.
Solutions and best practices
- Telemedicine partnerships: Partnering with larger healthcare systems provides access to shared resources, expertise, and technology infrastructure, helping rural facilities implement compliance measures while distributing costs.
- Cloud-based solutions: Cloud-based healthcare solutions, such as Paubox HIPAA compliant email, are designed to help overcome infrastructure limitations while maintaining security standards.
- Risk-based approaches: Conducting thorough risk assessments allows rural healthcare organizations to prioritize compliance needs and allocate limited resources effectively.
- Resource-sharing networks – Collaborating with other rural healthcare providers helps share costs, expertise, and resources for compliance programs, making HIPAA compliance more achievable.
Learn more: HIPAA compliant email
FAQs
Can rural healthcare organizations share resources to reduce the financial burden of compliance?
Yes, rural healthcare organizations can collaborate and form resource-sharing networks with other facilities to distribute the costs and expertise needed for HIPAA compliance.
Can partnering with larger healthcare systems help rural practices improve compliance?
Yes, partnering with larger healthcare systems allows rural practices to access shared resources, expertise, and infrastructure, making compliance more achievable.
Can cloud-based solutions help rural healthcare organizations overcome infrastructure challenges?
Yes, cloud-based solutions provide rural healthcare organizations with secure, scalable options to meet HIPAA standards while overcoming infrastructure limitations.
