The Client Profile
The mission of the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is to protect and improve the health of all Californians through operating and financing programs that deliver personal health care services to eligible individuals.

The Business Problem
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) implements security procedures to ensure the confidentiality of health information and data. To be in compliance with HIPAA laws, the California Department of Health Services needed a Business Analyst and Technical Writer to prepare internal feasibility study reports. These reports would ensure that the DHCS met the requirements of the Department of Information Technology Information Technical Services Division for small projects. They also needed assistance with analysis of complaints, audits of state facilities, and training of DHCS personnel on HIPAA regulations and practices.

The TechProse Solution
From 2006 to 2008, a TechProse consultant supported the DHCS Privacy Officer in a number of roles, which included assisting with responses to inquiries from staff, other interested parties, and the public regarding the HIPAA Privacy Rule, the Information Practices Act (IPA) and other applicable state and federal laws. The TechProse consultant, a privacy expert with a medical and information technology background, also documented policies and procedures and developed and delivered training to state personnel on HIPAA compliance.