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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
To date, we have focused on the cleaning process and the importance of ensuring instruments are adequately cleaned and appropriately wrapped or packaged. April’s article ended with loading the sterilizer appropriately. This month we will discuss the actual instrument sterilization process. The Sterilization Process Sterilization can be defined as the process of making an object […]
OSHA: Our office has switched disinfectant wipes. Do we need to retrain? 1910.1200(h)(1) Employers shall provide employees with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, and whenever a new chemical hazard the employees have not previously been trained about is introduced into their work […]
On May 24, the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released a new fact sheet for Business Associates explaining their liability for HIPAA compliance. OCR is the government enforcement agency for HIPAA compliance. They have the authority to take enforcement action against business associates for failing to comply with requirements and prohibitions. Since the implementation […]
