OVERVIEW
As of January 14, 2020, the Microsoft Operating System known as Windows 7, will no longer be supported by Microsoft. If you have workstations with Windows 7 (or prior) or a server with 2008 (or prior), you will be in violation and subject to large fines.
HIPAA SECURITY RULE
The HIPAA Security Rule (45 C.F.R. § 164.308 (a)(5)(ii)(B) requires that all software used by Covered Entities and Business Associates be kept current and up to date with updates from the software vendor. If a vendor no longer supports a software program, it cannot be used. Windows 7 will no longer receive updates as of January 14th thus cannot be used after then.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO?
Identify Hardware: Do you have systems with Windows 7 (or earlier) or Server 2008 (or before)
Current Hardware Assessment: What is the status of your current hardware. Do you need all new hardware or can you upgrade existing hardware to Windows 10?
Plan the move to Windows 10: Replacing computer systems that have been in use for years can be problematic. If you are using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) you will have to purchase new office software as license transfer is not allowed by Microsoft. Do you have specialized software that will need to be migrated to Windows 10? Will this software even run on Windows 10? All printers and other hardware will have to be set up to operate with Windows 10. All files and folders will have to be migrated to the new systems.
HOW CAN SOUTH GA COMPUTER HELP?
We can help you assess your systems and formulate a plan to bring you into HIPAA compliance. This is not a small step. It is a series of tasks that will bring your organization into HIPAA compliance. First and foremost, you must become compliant with standard HIPAA security rules. That means you need to take the first step on this path. Contact us and we will guide you along the way.