Disposing of regulated waste, including blood, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), is critical to workplace safety and health standards. Employers are responsible for adhering to regulations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other applicable federal, state, and local laws to ensure safe handling and disposal. Understanding Regulated Waste […]
In December 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) regarding potential changes to the HIPAA Security Rule. This notice opened for a period of public comments, allowing healthcare professionals, organizations, and other stakeholders to voice their opinions on the proposed updates. The comment period closed […]
Having proper sterilization processes in place is crucial in preventing the transmission of infection. Monitoring the sterilization process ensures that it is effective. The methods used to monitor sterilization are physical (mechanical) monitoring, chemical indicators, and biologic monitoring. Mechanical and chemical indicators don’t guarantee sterilization; however, they are the first indicator that something may be […]
In today’s digital healthcare environment, protecting patient information is not just the responsibility of IT or compliance officers—it is a shared duty among all employees. Data breaches can occur anywhere, from large hospitals to small clinics, and human error is often the primary cause. A single mistake, such as sending an email to the wrong […]
Healthcare professionals often work in high-stress environments where emotions can run high, occasionally leading to threatening or aggressive behavior from patients. Handling such situations effectively is essential to ensure the safety of everyone involved while maintaining professionalism and compassion. Recognize Early Warning Signs – Understanding the early signs of agitation can help prevent escalation. Early […]
Measles is an illness that was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, but recently there have been documented cases in the U.S. Currently, there is an outbreak in the states of Texas and New Mexico. There are also reported cases in New York, Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. As […]
Understanding the requirements for updating Safety Data Sheets (SDS) is crucial for anyone managing hazardous chemicals or overseeing workplace safety. This article outlines when SDS updates are necessary and why accurate SDS information is vital for safeguarding employees and ensuring regulatory compliance. But First: What Is an SDS and Why Is It Important? An […]
HIPAA is a cornerstone of patient privacy in healthcare, but ensuring compliance is not just the responsibility of IT or the compliance team. Every staff member, from receptionists to clinicians to administrative personnel, plays a vital role in safeguarding Protected Health Information (PHI). Here’s an overview of the responsibilities different roles have in maintaining HIPAA […]
OSHA: Why is OSHA Ending The COVID-19 Healthcare Rulemaking? A: OSHA has decided to focus on creating a broader Infectious Disease Standard instead of a COVID-19-specific rule for healthcare workers. This approach was always intended to replace the temporary COVID-19 rule and allows OSHA to protect workers from a wide range of infectious diseases, not […]
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is generally found in the lungs but can attack any part of the body, such as the brain, kidneys, or spine. Types of TB There are two types of TB: active and latent (inactive). Active TB disease is very contagious […]
