The HIPAA Privacy Rule grants patients the right to access their health information in a way that is easy and affordable for them. Providers are required to give patients access to their health information. There are some exceptions, of course, so getting the process right can be as confusing as being in a house of […]
Preparedness is the first step in preventing workplace violence. OSHA outlines five core building blocks which when implemented should reduce the chance of a violent event. Check out this great white paper on Preventing Workplace Violence: A Road Map for Healthcare Get Your Free Copy of Preventing Workplace Violence: A Road Map for Healthcare Facilities
OSHA: Our healthcare facility checks COVID-19 community levels to monitor transmission rates in our county. Will the Community Levels determine the preventive steps for our office? No. The CDC states “healthcare settings should continue to use Community Transmission Rates and continue to follow CDC’s infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare settings.” When viewing Community Transmission […]
Let’s be honest here; most OSHA and HIPAA healthcare Compliance Officers are chosen because they are the ones on the staff with the most time, and that’s usually the newest people. While this idea seems logical it can cause a lot of problems in the long run. There are drawbacks in choosing a compliance officer. […]
Numbers of new cases of COVID-19 infections are at the lowest they have been in months. In fact, many states, as well as counties, are easing restrictions such as mask mandates indoors. These decisions are based on new tools created by the CDC to reduce risk of exposure and possibly infection and to reduce the […]
OSHA: What are some other common airborne pathogens aside from covid-19 that our office should keep in mind? Chickenpox Mumps Measles Anthrax Diphtheria Meningitis Common cold/Whooping Cough Asperigillosis Tuberculosis (TB) If there is potential for exposures to airborne pathogens, employees must wear appropriate PPE such as N95 respirators or greater and restrict susceptible employees from […]
First impressions count. Do you know what is the first impression patients have of your practice? Does it include safety? Hopefully your office appearance says well-organized, efficient, and safety centered. As a challenge, the next time you enter your office, walk in the front door and visualize the space as a patient, potential new employee […]
Your practice has received a subpoena for client records. What do you need to do? Don’t panic. This is not unusual. There are several things you need to know up front. Read the entire subpoena carefully to determine who is asking for the information and, exactly what information you need to send. Never send more […]
OSHA: Has OSHA relaxed any of the covid-19 guidance for employers? No. Although the Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) has been withdrawn, OSHA is working towards a permanent regulatory solution and will enforce the general duty clause and general standards. Therefore, employers should continue to provide adequate protections against covid-19 for healthcare employees. This includes, but […]
Most OSHA inspections in healthcare practices are brought about by employee complaints and can be preventable. You may think that disgruntled ex-employees are doing the reporting. That does happen frequently, but OSHA is aware of these kinds of retaliatory complaints and weighs that factor into their determination on whether to send you a letter or […]
