Pharmacies Can Take Steps to Protect Against Cyberattacks

When it comes to cybersecurity threats related to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), pharmacists are in a unique and rather unenviable position.

Joey Mattingly, PharmD, PhD, MBA, an associate professor and vice chair of academic affairs of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy in Baltimore, teaches a pharmacy management course that examines practical implications of HIPAA. Like all businesses, pharmacies are susceptible to cyberattacks, he said, so it is important to have an information security plan that covers everything from training to what to do if a breach occurs.

“Many large chain pharmacies have well-established policies and procedures, but a start-up pharmacy or smaller organization may not have as large of an infrastructure in place,” Mattingly told Drug Topics®.

Recent data breaches with large companies and potential interference in major political elections have heightened attention to cybersecurity concerns, and it is paramount that pharmacists understand their existing company policies, Mattingly said. Pharmacists starting their own businesses should consider hiring information technology experts to establish detailed standard operation procedures specific to security.

READ MORE