The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provided $350 billion in funding for state and local governments to aid in their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes funds allocated for rebuilding public sector capacity, which encompasses technology infrastructure.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Deadline: Governments must obligate the funds by December 31, 2024 and spend them by December 31, 2026. Don’t miss out!
• Eligible Uses: You can use ARPA funds to purchase technology to address negative economic impacts, including:
  • Rebuilding public sector capacity by rehiring staff or investing in data analysis and technology infrastructure.
  • Implementing economic relief programs through tools that manage applications and reports.
• Multi-year contracts: ARPA funds allow for multi-year contracts, giving you peace of mind for your project’s future.

HCH Enterprises can help:

• Navigate ARPA guidelines: We can help you understand the rules and ensure your technology project aligns with eligible uses.
• Develop a strategic plan: We work with you to craft a plan that demonstrates how technology addresses your specific challenges.
• Implement the solution: We offer expertise and resources to ensure successful implementation and continued support.

Additional Resources:

• SLFRF Fact Sheet: https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/state-and-local-fiscal-recovery-funds

How other cities are using their ARPA spend on technology

The National League of Cities, National Association of Counties, and Brookings Institution’s Brookings Metro program have teamed up to create an interactive dashboard that tracks how 152 municipalities are using this relief money. The dashboard allows you to see how cities are investing in a variety of areas, including funding for improving broadband internet access, cybersecurity measures, and tools to help government employees work remotely.

Don’t let this valuable opportunity pass by! Contact HCH today to discuss how we can help your organization leverage ARPA funds for technology solutions.

By Chelsea Levesque, Director, Marketing and Communications, HCH Enterprises

In the realm of healthcare, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) stands as a cornerstone for safeguarding patient information. Health stewards, encompassing health insurance companies, HMOs, company health plans, and government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, share the responsibility of upholding HIPAA regulations to preserve patient privacy and maintain data integrity. This blog sheds light on 10 prevalent HIPAA blunders that Health Plans should evade to ensure compliance and cultivate patient confidence.

Neglecting Comprehensive Staff Training:
Mistake: Overlooking the imperative of comprehensive HIPAA training for staff members.
Solution: Implement consistent HIPAA education sessions for your Health Plans team, reinforcing awareness of HIPAA rules, patient privacy, and adept management of sensitive data.

Lax Access Control Measures:
Mistake: Permitting unauthorized personnel unrestricted access to patient records.
Solution: Set up stringent access controls that limit PHI access to authorized personnel exclusively. Regularly assess and refine access authorizations.

Skimming on Risk Assessments:
Mistake: Omitting regular risk assessments that identify potential vulnerabilities.
Solution: Conduct frequent risk assessments to identify potential security loopholes, subsequently applying robust safeguards.

Inadequate Data Storage Security:
Mistake: Storing patient information on unsecured platforms or devices.
Solution: Encrypt electronic PHI (ePHI), implement robust password practices, and adopt secure data storage protocols to thwart unauthorized access.

Poor Data Disposal Practices:
Mistake: Mishandling the disposal of patient data, both physical and digital.
Solution: Enforce secure data disposal techniques, such as shredding paper records and securely erasing electronic data, to prevent unauthorized access post-disposal.

Overlooking Business Associate Agreements:
Mistake: Failing to establish comprehensive agreements with third-party entities handling patient information.
Solution: Draft comprehensive business associate agreements to ensure third-party compliance with HIPAA regulations when handling patient data.

Absence of a Rigorous Incident Response Plan:
Mistake: Operating without a clearly defined plan to manage data breaches and security incidents.
Solution: Develop and regularly update an incident response plan that outlines steps to address potential breaches with prompt and effective measures.

Insecure Communication Channels:
Mistake: Transmitting patient data via unencrypted emails or other insecure modes of communication.
Solution: Employ secure communication methods, such as encrypted email services, to fortify patient data protection during transmission.

Disregarding Patient Rights:
Mistake: Ignoring patients’ rights to access, amend, and request copies of their health records.
Solution: Establish streamlined processes to promptly fulfill patient requests for their health information, respecting their rights diligently.

Insufficient Documentation:
Mistake: Failing to maintain meticulous records of HIPAA compliance efforts.
Solution: Keep detailed records of training sessions, risk assessments, policies, and procedures, ensuring comprehensive documentation to demonstrate compliance when required.

Conclusion
Health stewards bear the onus of upholding patient privacy and adhering to HIPAA regulations. By avoiding these prevalent HIPAA pitfalls and adopting proactive compliance measures, they can secure patient data, bolster patient trust, and shield themselves from potential legal and financial repercussions. Embrace the continuous commitment to HIPAA OSHA compliance, fortifying patient-provider relationships and cultivating a secure environment that benefits both patients and healthcare providers.

We specialize in providing comprehensive OSHA and HIPAA compliance solutions, including certification, tailored to the unique needs of your business. Stay ahead in the compliance game and fortify your commitment to #patient-centric care with us today!

#PublicSectorConsulting #HIPAACompliance #HealthcareIntegrity #PatientPrivacy #HealthPlans #Medicare #Medicaid #HealthInsurance #HMOs #DataSecurity #OSHA

ncern for Businesses in 2024

In March, HCH strongly recommended that clients prioritize addressing the Top 8 Cybersecurity Challenges of 2024. Among these, Software Security emerged as a critical concern, particularly for businesses undergoing Digital Transformation.

The complexity of Software Security is intensified when dealing with Outdated Security Technologies and inadequate responses to Zero Day Events. A valuable approach to bolster Software Security confidence is through Web Application Penetration Testing (WAPT).

Resource Allocation is a Key Concern

A significant overarching concern is resource allocation. Clients with established Software Security processes are striving to achieve more with limited resources. This often involves outsourcing, deferring remediation efforts, and compromising validation processes. Conversely, clients without existing Software Security measures face challenges in securing adequate resources for software development, let alone validation.

HCH acknowledges this dilemma and has chosen to collaborate with CyberLeaf due to their innovative delivery model, which optimizes Return on Investment (ROI) and cost savings for clients.

Instill a Software Security Mindset

Instilling a Software Security mindset within your organization can be transformational. Unlike functional requirements, Security is largely non-functional. While system design, infrastructure configuration, and software coding address functional needs, they might not inherently ensure security. At the very least, development teams should familiarize themselves with the OWASP Top Ten vulnerabilities. CyberLeaf’s assessments have revealed critical vulnerabilities like SQL Injection, Remote Code Execution, and the use of Default Credentials. To effectively address these threats, HCH suggests implementing a comprehensive checklist within your software release process.

Get the Most Out of Your Penetration Testing

To derive maximum value from your investment in penetration testing, it’s essential to empower your penetration tester. Collaborate with HCH to enhance your preparedness. Avoid potential hindrances during testing, such as:

• Testers lacking necessary credentials or access prior to the test initiation.
• Misalignment of the testing scope.
• Insufficient ongoing collaboration throughout the testing process.
• Inadequate brief or asset information.

Remediate and Retest Critical Findings

While CyberLeaf offers retesting for resolved findings, less than 25% of identified issues undergo retesting. Although this might be reasonable for lower-severity findings, it’s concerning that 61% of critical vulnerabilities remain untested again, likely due to unresolved issues or a decision to forgo validating crucial fixes. HCH firmly advocates for the remediation and retesting of critical findings. Moderate findings should not be accepted without formal documentation of compensatory controls.

Conclusion

Trust in your Software Security demands verification. Make security a cornerstone of your software release strategy. Prioritize thorough testing of your software application and adequately prepare for the testing process to maximize its value. Lastly, prioritize the rectification and retesting of significant findings. HCH is dedicated to assisting you throughout this journey. Contact HCH Sales to access our support and expertise.

Leaders in Government and Critical Infrastructure

Today, we would like to explore how government leaders can champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as foundational principles in their decision-making processes. By prioritizing these principles, leaders can create policies that better reflect the needs of all people and build trust among their constituents.

Gain a comprehensive grasp of effective grant writing and management, along with a deep appreciation for the pivotal role of broadband connectivity, through our enlightening webinar. Designed for professionals in both public and private sectors, this engaging session aims to enhance your knowledge and confidence in navigating the intricacies of grants while fostering the well-being of all communities.

Our interactive webinar delves into the fundamental elements of excelling in grant applications, navigating grant administration, and harnessing the transformative potential of broadband access for community advancement. Whether you’re a dedicated government official, a passionate nonprofit leader, or a knowledgeable private sector consultant, this informative webinar equips you with the essential insights to drive tangible impact within your community and professional sphere.

Webinar Highlights:
– Unveiling the Importance of Grants in Fostering Community Growth
– Exploring the multifaceted benefits of grant funding for nurturing vibrant community development projects
– Real-world case studies illuminating successful, grant-supported projects
– Crafting an Effective Grant Proposal: The Basics
– Navigating Optimal Grant Management Strategies
– Showcasing Achievements of Grant-Supported Broadband Initiatives
– Engaging Q&A Session to Address Your Inquiries

Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity to enhance your grant writing skills, gain insightful perspectives on streamlined grant management tactics, and recognize the life-changing potential of broadband connectivity for diverse communities. Secure your spot today and actively contribute to our mission of empowering communities and fostering sustainable progress.

Register now to embark on a journey towards understanding community empowerment and facilitating enduring growth!

It’s been nearly two years since the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) — a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill including an allocation of $350 billion to help state, local, and tribal governments to address economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. While ARPA’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) dollars offer flexibility, it is important for all municipalities to have a plan in place, and the time to act is now — as cities and towns must obligate their funding by December 31, 2024.

How can municipalities spend SLFRF funds?

Cities and towns have many options for using their ARPA dollars. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, there are four separate eligible use categories. Local governments may use SLFRF funds to:

• Replace lost public sector revenue, using this funding to provide government services up to the amount of revenue lost due to the pandemic.
  
• Respond to the far-reaching public health and negative economic impacts of the pandemic, by supporting the health of communities, and helping households, small businesses, impacted industries, nonprofits, and the public sector recover from economic impacts.
  
• Provide premium pay for essential workers, offering additional support to those who have and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical sectors.
  
• Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure, making necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, to support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and to expand affordable access to broadband internet.

More on SLFRF Rules and Regulations

As a municipality, it’s important to understand how you can use ARPA funding — but that’s only part of the equation. The more challenging element is determining how you should apply these dollars. 

The goal for any municipality should be to capitalize on this tremendous opportunity for recovery in ways that meet the most prevalent needs of the community. The challenges many cities and towns face is — identifying those needs, and assessing the most effective pathways to meet those needs. Many communities are developing recovery and growth plans that involve: