It’s Your Call – December 2024

HIPAA: Does the new reproductive health care ruling require a change to the Notice of Privacy Practices?

HIPAA: Does the new reproductive health care ruling require a change to the Notice of Privacy Practices? A: Yes, the new ruling does require changes to the Notice of Privacy Practices. However, due to the second ruling concerning Substance Use Disorder Treatment records, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has extended the compliance […]

Compliance with HIPAA’s Final Privacy Rule for Reproductive Health Care, Deadline Approaching: December 23, 2024

reproductive health care deadline December 2024

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued the Final Privacy Rule to support reproductive health care and the protection of related health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This amendment was designed to strengthen privacy and security for individuals seeking reproductive health care.  Other than Notice of […]

Clean Hands, Healthy Holidays: Protect Loved Ones from Illness with Effective Hand Hygiene

With the upcoming holidays and many family gatherings, one of the most important ways to protect yourself and loved ones is performing frequent hand hygiene. Good hand hygiene protects against sickness and disease such as the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses. Hand hygiene has been known to be the single […]

Empowering Your Workplace: New Courses for Safety, Compliance, and Cybersecurity

new courses for compliance

In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, staying informed and prepared is more crucial than ever. To meet the diverse needs of organizations and their staff, we are excited to introduce a selection of new courses designed to enhance safety, compliance, and overall workplace effectiveness. From cybersecurity awareness to infection control in dental settings, these courses […]

It’s Your Call – November 2024

HIPAA: How does ransomware spread? Ransomware commonly spreads through phishing emails, malicious attachments, or compromised websites. Once a user clicks on a link or downloads infected content, the ransomware installs itself on the device, often spreading across the network to other systems. OSHA: What should an employer do immediately after an employee reports a needlestick […]

OCR’s Expectations for Preventing Ransomware in Healthcare

Ransomware and cybersecurity in healthcare

Key Lessons from the Cascade Eye and Skin Centers Settlement The recent settlement between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and Cascade Eye and Skin Centers underscores OCR’s expectations for healthcare providers regarding cybersecurity under the HIPAA Security Rule. Following a ransomware attack that compromised nearly 291,000 […]

What to Look for in a Healthcare IT Company

IT healthcare company

Selecting the right IT company for a healthcare organization is critical to safeguarding data security, regulatory compliance, and optimal operational performance. Healthcare providers need to find a partner that can meet their specific needs while maintaining high standards of compliance, particularly with regulations like HIPAA. Below is a breakdown of key factors to consider when […]

It’s Your Call – September 2024

OSHA: TRUE or FALSE? Federal law requires employers to notify OSHA of a work-related hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye within 24 hours of the incident? TRUE: Standard Number 1904.39(a)(3) states you must report inpatient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye within 24 hours using one of the following methods: By telephone or in-person to the OSHA […]

It’s Your Call – August 2024

HIPAA: Why is regular testing of a Disaster Recovery Plan important? Regular testing ensures the plan’s effectiveness, identifies weaknesses, and trains staff in their roles during a disaster. HIPAA mandates at least annual testing, but more frequent tests are advisable for optimal preparedness.   OSHA: Does OSHA enforce ergonomics in the workplace? Under OSHA’s General […]