This paper is one of a series outlining the challenges healthcare providers face in information technology (IT), and the best practices for meeting those challenges. This paper focuses on the specific topic of regulatory compliance.

Healthcare providers face a constantly changing regulatory landscape. Faced with numerous mandates to satisfy, they also grapple with an ever-increasing body of electronic data that they must protect and secure. While acknowledging the challenges implicit in implementing IT security, healthcare providers are also recognizing that automating their compliance efforts can bring benefits as well as shield their institutions from the potentially disastrous consequences of noncompliance. Benefits include freeing up IT personnel to focus on activities that directly improve facility operations or enhance the quality of patient care. Just as important, failure to comply can negatively impact a provider's bottom line, reducing revenues as a result of loss of accreditation, exposing the provider to potential monetary penalties or litigation costs, and even causing a provider to close its doors.

Best practices suggest implementing a more measured, holistic approach that establishes a foundation for ongoing compliance, and automating the process with appropriate technological tools. Arming the right personnel with this combination offers the best roadmap for navigating today's regulatory landscape.