Protecting Privacy: Lessons from the OCR-Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital Snooping Settlement
In a digital era where personal information is vulnerable to cyber threats, privacy protection has become more critical than ever. A recent settlement between the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital in Washington state highlights the importance of safeguarding sensitive data. We explore the key details of the settlement and provides […]
It’s Your Call – July 2023
HIPAA: What is snooping under the HIPAA Privacy Rule? Snooping, in the context of HIPAA, refers to unauthorized access or inappropriate disclosure of someone’s personal health information (PHI) by individuals who have access to it in their professional capacity but do not have a legitimate need to know or use that information. Snooping is a […]
What is Code of Conduct and Why is it Important to My Healthcare Practice?
In healthcare, maintaining high ethical standards and responsible practices are paramount to providing quality care and preserving patient trust. To achieve these goals, a healthcare code of conduct (HCC) plays a pivotal role. An HCC is a set of guidelines and principles that govern the behavior and actions of healthcare professionals – it serves as […]
Updated CDC Guidance for COVID-19 After Expiration of Public Health Emergency
With the end of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency on May 11, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updated its guidance relating to collecting public health data. The CDC updates are as follows: 1. The CDC will no longer receive data to publish the Community Transmission levels of COVID-19. Healthcare facilities should check […]
It’s Your Call – June 2023
OSHA reflections: Workplace violence directed toward healthcare workers has increased over the last few years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It has been attributed to dementia, delirium, drug and/or alcohol abuse and withdrawal, mental illness, trauma, facility location, and specific facility services. These findings and statistics have led OSHA to work toward rulemaking […]
Keeping Your Practice Compliant: Understanding OSHA Sprinkler Violations
Safety is non-negotiable in healthcare practices. To establish a safe environment for our patients and staff, we must pay attention to every detail, including the sprinkler systems on our premises. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards apply not only to clinical procedures but also to aspects of physical safety, such as fire safety. […]
It’s Your Call – May 2023
Question: We recently hired a new clinical worker who received the Hepatitis B vaccine series but can only provide documentation for the titer. Is the titer sufficient? Answer: No. A clinical employee is considered immune with provider-documented proof of the Hepatitis B series AND a positive anti-HBs (titer). When proof cannot be provided, the employee […]
Safety Risks of Open-Toed Shoes in a Healthcare Setting
Wearing appropriate attire to work is crucial to mitigating the safety risks for employees. One specific area of concern is the type of footwear worn by staff in certain industries, including healthcare settings. While some staff may prefer the comfort and style of open-toed shoes or Crocs, there are several reasons why they are not […]
The Need for Healthcare Fraud and Abuse Training
Every year a minimum of $4.3 trillion is spent on healthcare in the United States, of which an estimated $60 billion is attributable to fraud and abuse. In order to combat this, HIPAA established the Healthcare Fraud and Abuse Control Program (HCFAC). Both federal and state laws exist to reduce healthcare fraud and abuse, and financial and/or criminal penalties […]
Total Medical Compliance celebrates 27 years in OSHA and HIPAA compliance
Indian Trail, NC – May 10, 2023/EINPresswire.com – Total Medical Compliance (TMC), a leading healthcare compliance company focused on OSHA and HIPAA education and training, is celebrating its 27th year in business. Since its founding in 1996, TMC has established itself as a trusted partner for healthcare professionals and business associates seeking compliance services. TMC […]