It’s Your Call – January 2024
HIPAA: What happens if we employ an individual who is found to be on an exclusion list? If you employ an individual who has been sanctioned or excluded by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) from participating in federal health care programs, and that individual provides reimbursable items or services under such programs, you may […]
Ensuring Medication Safety: Guide to Proper Handling of Single-Use vs Multi-Use Vials
A common error in healthcare facilities is the use of single-use vials of medications as multi-use vials. Healthcare workers must take the time to identify and become familiar with which vials of medicine are for single-use and which are multi-use to prevent using a single-use vial on multiple patients. The manufacturer labels the medicines as […]
It’s Your Call – December 2023
HIPAA: What are prevalent healthcare scams during the holiday season? Email Phishing: Perpetrators adopt the personas of festive figures or reputable entities (e.g., charities) to entice recipients into clicking malicious links in emails. This tactic compromises personal data, including login credentials and credit card details. It is advised to verify authenticity by contacting the sender […]
It’s Your Call – November 2023
HIPAA: Who can be fined under the Information Blocking Rule and what are the Office of Inspector General’s (OIG) priorities? Only certain entities are currently subject to an OIG information blocking penalty. They are: Health IT developers of certified health IT Entities offering certified health IT Health information exchanges Health information networks These penalties began […]
Ensuring Workplace Fire Safety: OSHA Requirements for Fire Prevention Plans, Fire Extinguishers, and Exit Routes
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’ […]
It’s Your Call – September 2023
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 […]
Preventing Needlestick and Sharps Injuries: Your Guide to OSHA Standards and Protocols
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 […]
It’s Your Call – August 2023
HIPAA: How do I ensure HIPAA Compliance in patient communication on social media direct messaging? Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn have become powerful tools for healthcare organizations to engage with patients and provide valuable health-related information. However, healthcare professionals must exercise caution when responding to patient private messages on these […]
Ensuring X-Ray Safety: A Closer Look at OSHA Standards and Portable X-Ray Systems
In healthcare, one of the foremost priorities is ensuring a safe environment for both patients and practitioners. A critical part of diagnosing and treating various conditions in healthcare is the use of X-rays. With this usage comes potential hazards of X-rays and guidelines to maintain safety within a healthcare practice. The Occupational Safety and Health […]
Emergency and Fire Preparedness in Healthcare Offices: The OSHA Way
‘Expect the unexpected’ is one phrase that comes to mind when considering how healthcare offices run. An example of an unforeseen event is an emergency and/or fire scenario. These situations can quickly turn a normal day into a life-altering crisis. Data shows there are an average of 5,750 fires reported annually in healthcare facilities, resulting […]