Pertussis, better known as whooping cough, is on the rise in the U.S. Pertussis is the medical name used for the infection while whooping cough is the more common name that refers to the characteristic coughing sound that is made when someone has the infection. More than 10,000 cases are typically reported in the U.S. […]
Ensuring compliance with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations is not only a best practice, but also a requirement by law. When violations occur, OSHA’s penalty system plays a crucial role in motivating employers to address hazards and safeguard their workers. Penalties under Section 17 of the OSH Act are intended to encourage employers […]
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing healthcare. From smart diagnostic tools and virtual assistants to AI-enabled devices like smart glasses or wearable monitors, this technology helps providers streamline workflows, improve accuracy, and enhance patient engagement. But as these tools become more common in clinical and administrative settings, it’s critical to ensure they’re used safely, ethically, and […]
In healthcare, emergencies can happen with little or no warning — whether it’s a natural disaster like a hurricane or flood, a fire, a hazardous spill, a power outage, an active shooter situation, or even a sudden influx of patients during a public health crisis. When emergencies strike, healthcare workers are not only responsible for […]
Candida auris (C. auris) is a fungal infection, a type of yeast, and is often resistant to antifungal treatments. It is highly transmissible and can cause life-threatening illnesses. People who normally contract C. auris have a weakened immune system and normally are patients in the hospital or long-term care facilities. Immunocompromised patients or those with […]
Nancy Ware, HIPAA Compliance Specialist at Total Medical Compliance, recently joined the ComTech Network Solutions podcast to cut through the noise surrounding “HIPAA 2.0.” With so much speculation about upcoming changes to the HIPAA Security Rule, Nancy provides clear, practical insight into what’s actually proposed—and what it means for healthcare providers. While no final rule […]
As summer temperatures rise and heat waves impact regions across the country, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is advancing a heat standard to protect workers from heat-related illnesses. While OSHA has traditionally focused on high-risk industries such as construction and agriculture, the updated guidance now includes all environments, including medical and dental offices, […]
Under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, covered entities are required to protect the confidentiality and integrity of individuals’ Protected Health Information (PHI). One of the most frequently asked questions is whether a provider needs a patient’s authorization to disclose PHI. The answer depends on the purpose of the disclosure. When Authorization Is Not Required The HIPAA […]
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are infections that are acquired when a patient receives healthcare in a facility such as a hospital, outpatient surgery center, or clinic. These infections can occur during procedures or soon after receiving health care from sources such as a contaminated surface, direct contact with a healthcare worker, or a medical device. Preventing […]
As your HIPAA compliance partner, we want to remind all staff that unauthorized access to patient records—also known as “snooping”—is a serious HIPAA violation. Even in small, tight-knit practices, patient privacy must always be respected. Curiosity is not a valid reason to look at someone’s protected health information (PHI), and doing so can lead to […]
