It’s Your Call July 2021
OSHA: What should we know about the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant? The B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant is a mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and it has been reported in 77 countries including the United States and in the United Kingdom. Of the 3 variant classifications, the Delta variant is considered a variant of concern (VOC) because it […]
The Recognized Security Practices Safe Harbor and the OCR
It is hard going a day without seeing a cybersecurity attack in the headlines. Over the past year and a half, the number of attacks has increased by over 350%. Healthcare entities of all sizes are an enticing target for attackers because just 1 patient record can fetch $200 or more on the dark web. […]
It’s Your Call June 2021
OSHA: Several of our vaccinated employees have a greater risk of being exposed to SARS-CoV-2 and the potential for prolonged, close contact with someone with SARS-CoV-2. If vaccinated workers are asymptomatic, what testing is recommended? The CDC recommends a series of two viral tests: one immediately and the other one 5-7 days after exposure. Furthermore, […]
OSHA JOINS WITH THE FDA TO ISSUE AN ALERT ON HAIOU SAFETY NEEDLES
The FDA is issuing an alert on Haiou safety needles as well as recommending healthcare providers stop using certain syringes and needles with needle safety devices manufactured by Guangdong Haiou Medical Apparatus Co., LTD. The FDA received information about quality issues, including certain Haiou needles detaching from the syringe and needle safety device failures. 1ml […]
The 21st Century Cures Act and Healthcare Information Blocking
What is information blocking? Anything a healthcare provider knows is likely to interfere with the ability of a patient or other authorized person(s) to access, exchange, or use electronically protected health information (ePHI). Taking longer than allowed to respond to patients’ requests for access to their records, or not responding at all. Charging patients a […]
It’s Your Call May 2021
HIPAA: How many enforcements have been issued by the OCR in their HIPAA Right of Access Initiative? Answer: As of April 28, 2021, there have been 18 enforcements that all include a monetary penalty and a 1-2 year corrective action plan and monitoring by the OCR. The highest penalty was issued to a facility that […]
OCR Alert – Postcard Disguised as Official Communication
Some healthcare organizations have received postcards that appear to be from the OCR that they are required to participate in a “Required Security Risk Assessment” and they are to send their risk assessment to a website. This is not from the OCR or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it is an advertisement […]
It’s Your Call April 2021
OSHA Infection Control: Which marker should be used to label sterilization pouches? Regardless of the marker type, it is important that it conforms to ASTM D4326 standard which means it is certified as non-toxic. Although many sharpies have the AP seal that conforms to ASTM’s standard, the user must check the manufacturer’s instructions to verify […]
Information Blocking – Digging Deeper
Healthcare providers are not required to do anything new or buy new software to comply with the upcoming Information Blocking Rule issued by the HHS Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). However, understanding how your current policies and procedures could conflict with the rule’s requirements is a good exercise to start […]
OSHA: IS IT REQUIRED OR JUST RECOMMENDED?
One of the most common questions we receive is “Is OSHA required or just recommended?” This question has been especially prevalent during the current pandemic. People want to know if they really have to follow the rule or if it is merely a suggestion. However, that is not what the words mean when it comes […]