Emergency Mode Operation Plan Policy (UBIT HIPAA)

Category: HIPAA Security
Responsible Office: UBIT HIPAA Compliance
Responsible Executive: Vice President and Chief Information Officer (VPCIO)
Approved By (Name/Title): J. Brice Bible, VPCIO

CATEGORY: Administrative Safeguards
TYPE: Required Implementation Specification for Contingency Plan Standard
CITATION: 45 CFR 164.308(a)(7)(ii)(C)

The University at Buffalo Information Technology (UBIT) operates as a covered entity as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights. HIPAA Regulation Text 45 CFR Part 164.308 (a)(7)(i) requires a covered entity to establish and implement as needed policies and procedures for responding to an emergency or other occurrence (for example: fire, vandalism, system failure, natural disaster, etc.) that damages systems containing ePHI.

UBIT protects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of ePHI by implementing a documented Emergency Mode Operation Plan to take reasonable steps to ensure the continuation of critical business processes, while permitting necessary access to and use of ePHI, during and immediately following an emergency.

This policy applies to all UBIT workforce members.

Workforce members: Adhere to all policies and procedures as written.

HIPAA Security and Privacy Officer: Ensures the continued protection of ePHI while operating in emergency mode.

Compliance Officer: Participates in ensuring the security ePHI is effective and enforced, in conjunction with the HIPAA Security and Privacy Officer.

Date Approved: 12/4/2017