TMC Expert On HIPAA 2.0

HIPAA 2.0

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 […]

Protecting Healthcare Workers from Heat Stress: OSHA Standards Explained

heat stress in healthcare

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, […]

Understanding When Patient Authorization is Required Under HIPAA

Patient Authorization under HIPAA

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: Prevention Strategies

healthcare associated infections

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 […]

Respecting Patient Privacy: A Reminder About Proper Access to Records

patient privacy and snooping

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 […]

Sterilization and Disinfection: Common Mistakes to Avoid!

sterilization and disinfection

Mistakes can be costly – not only to your practice but also to patients. Each step in sterilization and disinfection is important and must be followed to ensure a safe practice and patient environment. This article will focus on common mistakes found and how to prevent them. One of the most common mistakes found is […]

Workplace Violence Awareness

workplace violence awareness

While some jobs may appear low risk, they often have hidden issues like workplace tension, burnout, and dissatisfaction. Conflicts in meetings, frustrated patients, and sudden resignations can create a sense of discomfort. Although these incidents may not receive widespread attention, they are nonetheless significant and can greatly affect workplace dynamics. It’s crucial to understand that […]

Regulated Waste Disposal: Protecting Against Bloodborne Pathogens through OSHA-Compliant Practices

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 […]

Misinformation Surrounding the HIPAA Security Rule Notice of Proposed Rule Making

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 […]

Sterilization Monitoring: A Critical Step in Infection Prevention and Patient Safety

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 […]