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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
OSHA We have a worker who tested positive for covid-19 and is in self-isolation. What is the time frame for healthcare workers to return to work after experiencing mild to moderate symptoms with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection? A symptom-based strategy is currently recommended which depends on the time of the initial symptom onset, whether […]
If you use an on-premises Microsoft Exchange Server, it is important to reach out to your IT Support immediately to be sure updates are installed to boost your cybersecurity and protect against recently discovered critical security vulnerabilities. The vulnerabilities allow an attacker to compromise your network and steal information, encrypt data for ransom, or even […]
Last month HHS released a set of proposed upcoming changes to the HIPAA Privacy Rule. Anyone can review and submit comments about the proposed changes until March 22, 2021. After that, HHS will review all comments and make any changes they feel are necessary and issue a final rule that will require compliance. This can […]
OSHA: If an employee is exposed to Hepatitis C, how soon after the exposure can infection be detected? Acute infection is typically detected as early as 1-2 weeks using qualitative nucleic acid tests to determine the presence and levels of HCV RNA. HIPAA: Can patients be scheduled for COVID-19 vaccinations using an online or web-based […]
When a minor becomes an adult, they become the owner of their medical record. Here are a couple of things to consider: When does a minor become an adult; What does the practice need to do to ensure proper handling of the record according to HIPAA. A minor can become an adult in several ways. […]
