OSHA and Electrical Safety
In any OSHA inspection, the inspector will always check out your basic safety on electrical hazards. There are three reasons why OSHA will always pay attention to electrical safety during inspections AND why any electrical citations will always be considered a serious violation and carry a fine. Electrical shock can be fatal. According to OSHA, […]
Instrument Processing
Instrument Preparation, Packaging Loading Last month we focused on the cleaning process and the importance of ensuring instruments are adequately cleaned prior to packaging. Before we pick up where we left off, remember that instruments should be visually inspected for cleanliness and completely dry before they are wrapped or placed in a sterilization pouch. Packaging […]
It’s Your Call March 2019
OSHA: What is the name of the Hepatitis B 2-dose vaccine? What is the time frame for the doses to be administered? The 2-dose vaccine for Hepatitis B is called Heplisav-B (HepB-CpG). The doses should be administered 4 weeks apart followed by a titer 1-2 months after the second dose. Pregnant women should continue to […]
It’s Your Call February 2019
It’s your call OSHA: We recently hired a new clinical worker who received a 2-dose series for Hepatitis B and titer. Is there really a 2-dose series? Yes. Early in 2018, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended Heplisav-B (HepB-CpG) for vaccination against Hepatitis B for those who are ≥ 18 years. The doses […]
D.0 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announces the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) CMS-0055-P that was recently published in the Federal Register. This NPRM proposes to modify the requirements for the use of the Telecommunication Standard Implementation Guide, Version D, Release 0 (Version D.0), August 2007, National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) […]
HIPAA Myth: Listening to Family and Friends
Recently I had a very frustrating visit with my doctor. As an educator with an expertise in HIPAA law it is difficult when I run headlong into someone who adamantly believes incorrect information. I hear this often from my clients too when they are dealing with other healthcare offices. It is not surprising. HIPAA is […]
It’s Your Call January 2019
OSHA: Does our office have to keep the 300 Workplace Injury and Illness Log? OSHA uses the data from these logs to assess and remove safety and health hazards. Establishments that have 250 or more employees and high risk industries with 20-249 employees must electronically submit the form. The list of high risk industries can […]
Breach Should Be a Four-Letter Word
Most every day it seems a new report emerges about an organization that has been compromised. Big names such as Equifax, Neiman Marcus, Target and Home Depot have all made the dreaded announcement of a data breach and even a local Dunkin Donuts franchise in announced that their patron’s information had been inappropriately accessed. The […]
What’s New in Cyber Crime?
When it comes to cyber security, you are on top of it! You have complex password phrases, password lockers, tight privacy settings on your social media, and even physical safeguards in place. Well done! Unfortunately, scammers and cyber criminals are also on top of their game, continually evolving their techniques and exploiting technological and psychological […]
It’s Your Call December 2018
OSHA: We have a broken fluorescent light bulb. I’ve heard this is an issue, but why? Fluorescent light bulbs may emit a small amount of mercury vapor when the bulb is broken. To minimize risks, the EPA describes several cleanup and disposal steps at https://www.epa.gov/cfl/cleaning-broken-cfl#instructions. LED lightbulbs are an alternative to fluorescent lightbulbs. They do […]