Breaches by the Numbers September 2019
The Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR), has reported a staggering increase since this time last year of all forms of breaches of patient PHI. Note: These figures do not include any 2019 breaches that involved fewer than 500 individuals. A covered entity must notify the Secretary of a PHI […]
Compliance Crossword Puzzle and Answers
Answers:
It’s your Call September 2019
OSHA: How long should we keep the fire extinguisher log? 1910.157(e)(3) The employer shall record the annual maintenance date and retain this record for one year after the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less. HIPAA: Our office uses a software program that contains protected health information. Should we obtain […]
Let’s Talk Measles….Again
The measles outbreak continues. Cases have been confirmed in 30 states. As of July 25, 2019, there have been 1,164 cases reported, which is the largest reported number of cases since 1992 and since measles was declared eliminated in 2000. In order to address this ongoing issue, the CDC published additional guidance in July to […]
Getting to Know TMC Employees
This month we would like to introduce you to our Marketing Director, Nichole Pope. Nichole joined Total Medical Compliance in 2011 and graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Science. Nichole brings twenty years of experience owning and operating her own business. She enjoys working with our clients and being part of an […]
It’s your Call August 2019
OSHA: What are the protection levels for face masks? The ASTM Standard rates medical masks at three levels of protection against fluid and spray. Minimum protection offers a simple barrier which is ideal for procedures where no fluids or sprays are involved. Level 1 masks adequately protect when low amounts of fluid, aerosols, and spray […]
Social Engineering in Action
All of us have routines at home and at the office. Routines are often done “on autopilot,” because we don’t have to think much about them. This might apply to a lot of the tasks you do every day like walking to the printer, sending a fax, email, or filing. However, from a privacy and […]
Getting to Know the TMC Employees
We would like to introduce you to one of our TMC Consultants, Amy Williams. Amy has more than 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry in both in-patient and out-patient settings. Her background includes long-term care, emergency medicine, and practice work. Just prior to joining TMC, Amy worked for a large private oncology practice […]
It’s Your Call July 2019
OSHA Measles outbreaks have been in the news a lot. What are 5 quick facts about transmission that our office should be aware of? Answer: Here are 5 quick facts to know about measles. It is highly contagious. Individuals who are not immune have a 90% chance of becoming infected if they are close to […]
Take Information Security Home
Safeguarding your patients’ protected health information (PHI) is a critical part of your everyday routine. What about when you leave the office? Your healthcare, financial, and other personal information require thoughtful handling, too. As reported in the Becker’s Hospital Review in February 2019, an individual’s healthcare record can sell for up to $1,000 on the […]