In May, Great Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) was hit by a large-scale cyber-attack. Some hospitals and practices across England and Scotland were unable to access patient data, after their computers were locked by a ransomware attack demanding payment in virtual currency, Bitcoin. However, there was no evidence that patient data had been compromised. The […]
(Updated June 2019) Emergency Action Plan (EAP): Evacuation Maps. You see them, but do you need them? OSHA does not require facilities to have a printed map for evacuation in the case of an emergency; but other governmental agencies may. Check with your insurance carrier, fire marshal and state and local agencies that may require […]
OSHA: HOT items Are there any hot surfaces or pieces of equipment in your office? If so, how do you warn employees of the potential hazard? The OSHA regulation 1910.145(d)(4) states: Caution signs should have the standard, yellow, background color; and the panel, black with yellow letters. Any letters used against the yellow background shall […]
Any electrical violation will always be considered serious and carry a fine. There are two reasons why OSHA will always pay attention to electrical safety during inspections: Electrical shock can be fatal. According to OSHA about five workers are electrocuted each week. Electrical fires burn fast. A study by the U.S. Fire Administration found electrical malfunction […]
Infection Control – Back to Basics! Infection prevention and control is more than the sum of a task list, appropriate equipment, and written policies and procedures. They are all important elements and the foundation of a strong infection control program and a culture of safety for every healthcare environment. From leader to volunteers, everyone must […]
When you have a breach of Protected Health Information (PHI) the practice will have to notify the affected patients, Health and Human Services (HHS) and potentially other parties. The timing is critical. This month we will review notification requirements. Patient Notification You must provide notice to each affected patient in written form by first-class mail, […]
OSHA: Hazard Assessment The first step in developing a PPE program is to determine the type of hazards in your workplace and determine which PPE is necessary for protection. Has your office done a hazard assessment in your facility? Chemical hazards pose a wide range of health and physical hazards. Agents with any of the following […]
The last part of the OSHA inspection applies to you only if your practice has been cited or fined for a problem. You have the right to contest OSHA’s citations and fines. The first step of this process is to request an “Informal Conference” with the manager/supervisor who sent you the citation letter. Your inspector […]
OSHA Compliance Takes a Team The responsibility and commitment of the management of OSHA compliance often weighs heavily on the shoulders of a facility’s OSHA Compliance Officer. It is important to remember that successful compliance is not the job of one individual. OSHA compliance is everyone’s job and comes with rewards and consequences that affect […]
A medical facility that specialized in treating knee pain, in Wall, New Jersey voluntarily closed its doors in March 2017 after at least 30 patients developed infections. The cause of the infections was improperly handled injections. Don’t let this happen to you! Follow safe injection practices to avoid patient infection. For the full story, follow […]
