Compressed Gases: Safe Storage and Handling
Who would have ever thought that those little, red fire extinguishers, mounted on walls in picture framed boxes, could be deadly? A fire extinguisher is a pressurized vessel that, like any compressed gas, can turn into an exploding bomb due to unsafe storage or handling. No matter how large or small the cylinder, compressed gases […]
Aftermath Services
Karen Gregory joins Aftermath Services on the Discovery Channel for an episode of Innovations with Ed Begley, Jr.. Innovations is a television show that brings viewers the most current information of leading industries out there making a difference. One of these leaders is Aftermath Services LLC. Aftermath is the premier, nation-wide crime […]
Breach Reporting By MARCH 1, 2018 to Health and Human Services (HHS)
Just a reminder to those having a breach in the past year impacting less than 500 individuals, you have until March 1, 2018, to report those breaches to HHS. If you have not already done so, all such breach reporting MUST be sent to HHS no later than this date. If you have a breach, […]
It’s Your Call February 2018
OSHA: Employees have complained about headaches and breathing problems when they work in a specific part of our building. What should I do? Foremost, the complaints should not be ignored. If employees have similar symptoms that appear to resolve after leaving the building or specific work area, then contact a vendor to test indoor air […]
HIPAA and Battling Parents-Newest Update
Dealing with a minor’s medical records can be a HIPAA minefield when a child is from a blended family or the parents have a contentious divorce going. This gets especially sticky when you add in stepparents and grandparents and situations where a minor controls all or a portion of their own records. It’s a good […]
HIPAA Scare Tactics
Someone called my practice and said I have to fill out their checklist for HIPAA each year. Is this true or is it HIPAA scare tactics? Not Really. You do have to perform a “Risk Analysis” (RA) checklist of all the ways you store, input and transmit protected health information (PHI). This must be done […]
It’s your Call January 2018
HIPAA: Do I need a Business Associate Agreement for the cleaning service? No. A business associate agreement is not required with persons or businesses whose function does not involve the use or disclosure of protected health information (PHI) and where any access would be incidental. This includes janitorial service staff whose access is only a […]
OSHA Announced Changes to the Recordkeeping Regulations in 2016
When the new president took office in January 2017 these changes to the recordkeeping regulations were stopped. OSHA just announced that part of these regulations will now go into effect in December. Employers who, under the past rules, had to post a copy in their office of their OSHA 300A report (Summary of Work-Related Injuries […]
HIPAA and Law Enforcement
When can you share protected health information with law enforcement? There are certain circumstances when you can share PHI with the law. You should always keep the “minimum necessary” rule in mind whenever you are giving out information. Coroners/Medical Examiners Information needed to identify a body or determine cause of death can be sent to […]
It’s Your Call December 2017
OSHA Can OSHA cite my office for an alleged ergonomic hazard? Yes. Under the General Duty Clause, OSHA will issue a citation if an ergonomic hazard exists, is recognized, and is causing, or is likely to cause physical harm to an employee. Applying ergonomic principles in the workplace can substantially reduce the number of musculoskeletal […]