It’s Your Call – February 2025

OSHA: Why is OSHA Ending The COVID-19 Healthcare Rulemaking?

A: OSHA has decided to focus on creating a broader Infectious Disease Standard instead of a COVID-19-specific rule for healthcare workers. This approach was always intended to replace the temporary COVID-19 rule and allows OSHA to protect workers from a wide range of infectious diseases, not just COVID-19.

HIPAA:

I work in a shared office space and sometimes must leave my computer unattended for short periods. What should I do to ensure patient information remains secure and in compliance with HIPAA during these times?

A: To protect patient information in a shared office, follow these steps:

• Lock your computer: Always lock your screen or log out before stepping away.
• Store documents securely: Keep paper records in a locked drawer and avoid leaving sensitive files visible on your screen.
• Limit access: Position your workstation to minimize the chance of others seeing patient information.

By taking these precautions, you help ensure that PHI remains secure, even when you’re not at your desk. Remember, it’s better to be cautious than risk a violation!