It’s Your Call – September 2024
OSHA: TRUE or FALSE? Federal law requires employers to notify OSHA of a work-related hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye within 24 hours of the incident? TRUE: Standard Number 1904.39(a)(3) states you must report inpatient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye within 24 hours using one of the following methods: By telephone or in-person to the OSHA […]
OSHA’s New Severe Injury Report Dashboard
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) introduced a new online tool to enhance workplace safety awareness. This tool allows users to search its extensive severe injury report database and analyze trends related to workplace injuries in states under federal OSHA jurisdiction. The Severe Injury Report dashboard makes […]
Staying Ahead of Respiratory Illness Season: Best Practices for Healthcare Workers
Respiratory illness season is fast approaching once again and typically peaks in fall and winter. The CDC expects that the upcoming fall and winter virus season will likely have a similar or lower peak number of combined hospitalizations from COVID-19, influenza (flu), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) compared to last year. At the time of […]
Why Healthcare Workers Face the Highest Rates of Workplace Injuries and How Ergonomics Can Help
When thinking about the risk of injury on the job, what industry takes the top spot for rates of injury? One may be surprised to learn that healthcare workers experience the highest injury rates of any industry. This statistic is alarming: Those who dedicate their lives to caring for others suffer more on-the-job injuries than […]
OSHA Heat Standard: What Medical and Dental Offices Need to Know
As temperatures rose this summer and heat waves hit the country, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has implemented a new heat standard for employers. This standard aims to safeguard workers across various industries from heat-related injury and illness. As a result of this standard, medical and dental offices have important obligations to consider […]
It’s Your Call – August 2024
HIPAA: Why is regular testing of a Disaster Recovery Plan important? Regular testing ensures the plan’s effectiveness, identifies weaknesses, and trains staff in their roles during a disaster. HIPAA mandates at least annual testing, but more frequent tests are advisable for optimal preparedness. OSHA: Does OSHA enforce ergonomics in the workplace? Under OSHA’s General […]
You Have a Disaster Recovery Plan, Now What?
Creating a Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) is a significant achievement for any organization, especially for those handling sensitive data such as healthcare providers. However, having a plan is only the beginning. Ensuring the plan’s effectiveness and compliance with HIPAA regulations requires ongoing actions and detailed attention. Regular Testing and Updates Scheduled Testing: A DRP must […]
How to Clean and Disinfect Environmental Surfaces in Healthcare Settings
Environmental surfaces are the surfaces of equipment, chairs, furniture, walls, and flooring. It is essential that they are cleaned and disinfected between each patient or on a routine basis. Environmental surfaces, also categorized as clinical contact or housekeeping surfaces, are all considered non-critical surfaces. Environmental surfaces do not contact patients directly; however, they can become […]
Information Blocking Rule Final Disincentives for Healthcare Providers Released
Health and Human Services (HHS) has finalized disincentives for Information Blocking and healthcare providers. Here is a summary: The HHS rule impacts the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) by penalizing clinicians who engage in information blocking. MIPS eligible clinicians found to be information blockers by the HHS Office of Inspector General will receive a zero […]
It’s Your Call – July 2024
HIPAA: Do surveillance cameras breach HIPAA regulations? Since HIPAA mandates the confidentiality of protected health information (PHI), installing video cameras can result in a violation if they are not placed correctly or used appropriately. Infection Control: What is the difference between universal, standard, and transmission-based precautions in preventing the spread of infection? Universal precautions […]