HIPAA: How do I ensure HIPAA Compliance in patient communication on social media direct messaging? Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn have become powerful tools for healthcare organizations to engage with patients and provide valuable health-related information. However, healthcare professionals must exercise caution when responding to patient private messages on these […]
In healthcare, one of the foremost priorities is ensuring a safe environment for both patients and practitioners. A critical part of diagnosing and treating various conditions in healthcare is the use of X-rays. With this usage comes potential hazards of X-rays and guidelines to maintain safety within a healthcare practice. The Occupational Safety and Health […]
A digital presence is essential for maintaining a thriving business, and healthcare practices are no exception. For patients seeking a healthcare provider, they use search engines, your website, and online review sites to understand more about you and your practice. Ninety-three percent of patients consider online reviews in their decision-making process of finding a new […]
‘Expect the unexpected’ is one phrase that comes to mind when considering how healthcare offices run. An example of an unforeseen event is an emergency and/or fire scenario. These situations can quickly turn a normal day into a life-altering crisis. Data shows there are an average of 5,750 fires reported annually in healthcare facilities, resulting […]
In a digital era where personal information is vulnerable to cyber threats, privacy protection has become more critical than ever. A recent settlement between the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital in Washington state highlights the importance of safeguarding sensitive data. We explore the key details of the settlement and provides […]
HIPAA: What is snooping under the HIPAA Privacy Rule? Snooping, in the context of HIPAA, refers to unauthorized access or inappropriate disclosure of someone’s personal health information (PHI) by individuals who have access to it in their professional capacity but do not have a legitimate need to know or use that information. Snooping is a […]
In healthcare, maintaining high ethical standards and responsible practices are paramount to providing quality care and preserving patient trust. To achieve these goals, a healthcare code of conduct (HCC) plays a pivotal role. An HCC is a set of guidelines and principles that govern the behavior and actions of healthcare professionals – it serves as […]
With the end of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency on May 11, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updated its guidance relating to collecting public health data. The CDC updates are as follows: 1. The CDC will no longer receive data to publish the Community Transmission levels of COVID-19. Healthcare facilities should check […]
OSHA reflections: Workplace violence directed toward healthcare workers has increased over the last few years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It has been attributed to dementia, delirium, drug and/or alcohol abuse and withdrawal, mental illness, trauma, facility location, and specific facility services. These findings and statistics have led OSHA to work toward rulemaking […]
Safety is non-negotiable in healthcare practices. To establish a safe environment for our patients and staff, we must pay attention to every detail, including the sprinkler systems on our premises. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards apply not only to clinical procedures but also to aspects of physical safety, such as fire safety. […]
