Respiratory illness season is upon us. These viruses can take root in the nose, mouth, airway, and/or lungs. Illnesses that have been reported are Influenza (flu), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and COVID-19. Common signs and symptoms among all these illnesses can range from fever, cough, runny/stuffy nose, chills, sore throat, and muscle/body aches. Some additional […]
As Electronic Health Record (EHR) companies prepare for potential fines reaching up to $1 million regarding information blocking violations, healthcare practices and hospitals find themselves at the cusp of impending changes. Although no fines have been enforced for practices or hospitals yet, discussions regarding their imposition are actively underway. One aspect that practices may need […]
HIPAA: Why is a Password Policy Important? One of the critical aspects of achieving HIPAA compliance is enforcing a mandatory password policy. Failing to do so could have severe consequences that compromise patient privacy and expose healthcare entities to a range of other negative outcomes. 1. Vulnerability to Data Breaches: Without a stringent password policy […]
Fire safety regulations date back to 1895 when concerns arose from the lack of standards for sprinkler systems and plumbers had logistical challenges when they attempted to install or maintain these systems. Following this initial attempt, the need for fire safety regulations was stressed due to the deadly fire that broke out at the Illinois’ […]
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, cybersecurity has emerged as a critical issue, particularly in the healthcare sector. Cybersecurity isn’t just an optional add-on but rather an essential component of a successful and compliant healthcare practice. Why is Cybersecurity Important in Healthcare? Healthcare practices handle a lot of sensitive and confidential data. Potential targets […]
Modern healthcare has evolved dramatically with the integration of technology. While digitization has indeed elevated patient care and broadened its accessibility, it has also brought along challenges, primarily concerning privacy and security. A significant part of this conversation involves the use of communication tools like video conferencing and their compliance with HIPAA. If you are […]
Workplace discrimination is a real concern, even in healthcare. Recognizing and addressing it in medical and dental settings is a moral obligation for patient care and equality. Understanding Discrimination The definition of discrimination reveals that bias can manifest both overtly and subtly. Let’s break it down: Direct Discrimination: This is when someone is treated differently […]
Criminals continuously devise new methods to exploit personal information for financial gain. One such method is vishing, a form of phishing that targets individuals through phone calls. Vishing scams pose a significant threat to the security and privacy of personal health information (PHI), making it crucial for healthcare organizations to understand and mitigate these risks. […]
HIPAA: What is the difference between Phishing, Vishing, and Smishing? Phishing, vishing, and smishing are all types of cybercrimes that involve social engineering techniques to deceive individuals and gain unauthorized access to personal information, such as passwords, credit card details, or financial data. While they share similarities, each term refers to a specific method used […]
Medical and dental practices face numerous health and safety risks every day. One of the most significant, and frequently overlooked, risks are needlestick and sharps injuries. In this comprehensive guide, the following topics will be covered: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards for preventing needlestick injuries, Proper OSHA needle disposal techniques, and The crucial […]
