Oakbrook Terrace, Ill, February 2, 2004 - The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) and the HIPAA Academy announced today that CompTIA Security+ certification now satisfies requirements for the Certified HIPAA Security Specialist (CHSS) certification, saving time and expense for those interested in earning this healthcare related security certification.
The U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandates that all healthcare organizations - including providers, health plans, insurers, clearinghouses, business associates, and others - comply with new national standards of security and electronic data exchange for patient medical records.
To demonstrate mastery of compliance requirements, the HIPAA Academy recommends training and certification to the Certified HIPAA Professional (CHP) standard. For those going deeper into the security aspects of HIPAA, the academy recommends training and certification to the CHSS standard.
Those professionals who have met recommended training guidelines and who hold CompTIA Security+ and CHP certification will be automatically designated CHSS certified as well - following submission of required documentation. This effectively reduces the time and expense for coursework, study, and sitting for the CHSS certification exam.
CHSS certification demonstrates knowledge mastery of HIPAA standards and implementation specifications in the areas of administrative, physical, and technical safeguards of patient medical records. The HIPAA Academy believes that CHSS certification is invaluable for members of HIPAA compliance teams, security officers, project managers, network administrators, consultants, and anyone else involved in the overall security of an organization impacted by HIPAA regulations.
"Across the nation there is an urgent need in the healthcare industry for professionals trained and certified in the compliance requirements of HIPAA Security," said Uday O. Ali Pabrai, chief executive and cofounder of the HIPAA Academy. "Incorporating CompTIA Security+ into a HIPAA certification track opens career opportunities for IT professionals in the healthcare field, while at the same time deepening the pool of potential employees for organizations seeking HIPAA qualified individuals. CompTIA Security+ was selected for fast-track status because of the breadth of its security content."
"It is a tribute to the comprehensiveness of CompTIA Security+ that it satisfies requirements for the CHSS certification," said Gene Salois, vice president of certification, CompTIA. "CompTIA Security+ certification is the foundation credential for professionals engaged in improving information system security in every segment of the economy, both public and private."
About HIPAA Academy
The HIPAA Academy (www.HIPAAAcademy.Net) has trained over 18,000 professionals and is today the gold standard in the industry for HIPAA training and certification. The HIPAA Academy delivers solutions in the areas of HIPAA Professional Services, HIPAA Risk Analysis, Gap Analysis, Security Policy development, HIPAA Audit and Evaluation and HIPAA Training and Certification. HIPAA Academy clients include several state governments, including the State of Oregon and Illinois, as well as many county governments. HIPAA Academy's Certified HIPAA Security Specialist (CHSS) program is a fast-growing certification program whose attendees include CISSPs, RSA Security, Sprint, AT&T, HP, and many hospitals and government agencies. The HIPAA Academy's Getting Started with HIPAA is the best-selling text on the subject at several sites, including Amazon.com and BN.com. The HIPAA Academy has authored several industry leading texts on HIPAA Security. These are available at the e-store at www.HIPAAAcademy.Net.
About CompTIA
CompTIA is a global trade association representing the business interests of the information technology industry. For 22 years, CompTIA has provided research, networking and partnering opportunities to its more than 19,000 members in 89 countries. The association is involved in developing standards and best practices, and influencing the political, economic and educational arenas that impact IT worldwide. More information is available at www.comptia.org.
