Health Information Compliance Alert
HIPAA:
Measure Your Disaster Smarts With 10 Tough Privacy Questions
Remember, HIPAA applies to volunteers, too. When a natural disaster strikes, the last thi... Read more
Measure Your Disaster Smarts With 10 Tough Privacy Questions
Remember, HIPAA applies to volunteers, too. When a natural disaster strikes, the last thi... Read more
Artificial Intelligence:
Get Ready for These AI Updates in CPT® 2023
Hint: Analyzing data is just one piece of the AI puzzle. There's no denying that artifici... Read more
Get Ready for These AI Updates in CPT® 2023
Hint: Analyzing data is just one piece of the AI puzzle. There's no denying that artifici... Read more
Revenue Booster:
Bolster Your Email Security with 10 Top Tips
Hint: Quiz staff on phishing ploys. Even the most tech-savvy folks get duped by email phi... Read more
Bolster Your Email Security with 10 Top Tips
Hint: Quiz staff on phishing ploys. Even the most tech-savvy folks get duped by email phi... Read more
Compliance:
Feds Highlight Telehealth Rewards and Risks During the PHE
Caution: OIG continues to add telehealth services-related items to its Work Plan. Durin... Read more
Feds Highlight Telehealth Rewards and Risks During the PHE
Caution: OIG continues to add telehealth services-related items to its Work Plan. Durin... Read more
Reader Question:
Know That a PHE Has Time Limits
Question: Is a public health emergency (PHE) ever shorter or longer than 90-day incr... Read more
Know That a PHE Has Time Limits
Question: Is a public health emergency (PHE) ever shorter or longer than 90-day incr... Read more
Enforcement News:
OCR Settles 3 More Right of Access Cases
Dentists are the most recent offenders. The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) continues t... Read more
OCR Settles 3 More Right of Access Cases
Dentists are the most recent offenders. The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) continues t... Read more
Case Study:
Know the Rules on the Secure Disposal of PHI
Hint: Ignoring the HIPAA requirements can land you in hot water. Protecting your patients... Read more
Know the Rules on the Secure Disposal of PHI
Hint: Ignoring the HIPAA requirements can land you in hot water. Protecting your patients... Read more
HIPAA Compliance:
Add This Expert Advice to Your PHI Disposal Wheelhouse
Tip: Train staff accordingly. You can cut down on protected health information (PHI) disp... Read more
Add This Expert Advice to Your PHI Disposal Wheelhouse
Tip: Train staff accordingly. You can cut down on protected health information (PHI) disp... Read more
Cybersecurity:
Alert Leadership to the Risks of Cyberattack
Communication is key to circumventing IT issues. Whether you're the chief information sec... Read more
Alert Leadership to the Risks of Cyberattack
Communication is key to circumventing IT issues. Whether you're the chief information sec... Read more
Report Highlights Healthcare’s Popularity With Hackers
Statistics show that health data breaches continue to skyrocket. If you aren't prioritizi... Read more
Statistics show that health data breaches continue to skyrocket. If you aren't prioritizi... Read more
Ransomware:
Thwart Zeppelin Ransomware Risks With Knowledge and Management
Hint: Feds offer a plethora of tools and tips to combat cyberattacks. During the pandemic... Read more
Thwart Zeppelin Ransomware Risks With Knowledge and Management
Hint: Feds offer a plethora of tools and tips to combat cyberattacks. During the pandemic... Read more
Reader Questions:
Establish Upfront Medical Device Management Responsibility
Question: Our practice is exploring providing remote patient monitoring (RPM) devices, suc... Read more
Establish Upfront Medical Device Management Responsibility
Question: Our practice is exploring providing remote patient monitoring (RPM) devices, suc... Read more
Industry Notes:
New GAO Report Gives Update on National Cybersecurity Office
With data breach woes in the news, you may be wondering what the feds are doing about it. ... Read more
New GAO Report Gives Update on National Cybersecurity Office
With data breach woes in the news, you may be wondering what the feds are doing about it. ... Read more
Industry Notes:
OIG Homes In on Cybersecurity at Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network
As one of the nation's top enforcement agencies, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG)... Read more
OIG Homes In on Cybersecurity at Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network
As one of the nation's top enforcement agencies, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG)... Read more
Industry Notes:
Figure Out If You’re a CE With Handy Tool
If you're not sure whether you're a covered entity (CE) and privy to the HIPAA Administrat... Read more
Figure Out If You’re a CE With Handy Tool
If you're not sure whether you're a covered entity (CE) and privy to the HIPAA Administrat... Read more
Industry Notes:
CMS Offers PI Help With Updated FAQs
With federal policies constantly evolving, your organization may be looking for answers an... Read more
CMS Offers PI Help With Updated FAQs
With federal policies constantly evolving, your organization may be looking for answers an... Read more
Telehealth Services:
Feds Focus on the Evolution of Telehealth Post-COVID
Expect more changes in the coming months, too. If your organization has relied heavily o... Read more
Feds Focus on the Evolution of Telehealth Post-COVID
Expect more changes in the coming months, too. If your organization has relied heavily o... Read more
Congress Acts to Bolster Telehealth Long Term
As the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) begins to put out policy proposa... Read more
As the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) begins to put out policy proposa... Read more
Policy:
Federal Agencies Collaborate to Thwart Telehealth Discrimination
New guidance offers tools to deal with telehealth inequity. The pandemic revealed systemi... Read more
Federal Agencies Collaborate to Thwart Telehealth Discrimination
New guidance offers tools to deal with telehealth inequity. The pandemic revealed systemi... Read more
COVID-19:
Feds Renew the PHE … Again
But: Don't slack on compliance just because the PHE keeps getting renewed. If you were c... Read more
Feds Renew the PHE … Again
But: Don't slack on compliance just because the PHE keeps getting renewed. If you were c... Read more
Reader Questions:
Safeguard ePHI from Unauthorized Disclosure With This Advice
Question: A provider in our practice informed us that they have been sending patient... Read more
Safeguard ePHI from Unauthorized Disclosure With This Advice
Question: A provider in our practice informed us that they have been sending patient... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know the Facts on Hiring HIPAA Audit Help
Question: Our large, primary care practice takes HIPAA very seriously, and we do our ... Read more
Know the Facts on Hiring HIPAA Audit Help
Question: Our large, primary care practice takes HIPAA very seriously, and we do our ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Boost Documentation Accuracy With This EHR Advice
Question: We've heard many warnings about the dangers of using EHR templates, but we ... Read more
Boost Documentation Accuracy With This EHR Advice
Question: We've heard many warnings about the dangers of using EHR templates, but we ... Read more
Enforcement News:
OCR Continues to Focus on Right of Access Violations
If your patients ask for a copy of their medical files, you don't want to drag your feet o... Read more
OCR Continues to Focus on Right of Access Violations
If your patients ask for a copy of their medical files, you don't want to drag your feet o... Read more
Enforcement News:
Be Aware of Healthcare-Related Spoofing Schemes
If you or your patients get a call that shows up on caller ID as the HHS Office of Inspect... Read more
Be Aware of Healthcare-Related Spoofing Schemes
If you or your patients get a call that shows up on caller ID as the HHS Office of Inspect... Read more
Enforcement News:
Weigh In on ONC’s Annual Update for Interoperability Standards
The HHS Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) is aski... Read more
Weigh In on ONC’s Annual Update for Interoperability Standards
The HHS Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) is aski... Read more
Case Study:
Feds Offer New Guidance on the Intersection of Telehealth and HIPAA
Warning: Get ready for flexibilities to end post-PHE. The COVID-19 public health emergen... Read more
Feds Offer New Guidance on the Intersection of Telehealth and HIPAA
Warning: Get ready for flexibilities to end post-PHE. The COVID-19 public health emergen... Read more
Remote Technology:
Prioritize Remote Accessibility With a Shared Drive
Find out how HIPAA factors into the IT equation. During the pandemic, remote and hybrid w... Read more
Prioritize Remote Accessibility With a Shared Drive
Find out how HIPAA factors into the IT equation. During the pandemic, remote and hybrid w... Read more
Documentation:
Know the Facts on Virtual Scribes
Understand how HIPAA weighs in on this type of documenting process. Clinicians may find v... Read more
Know the Facts on Virtual Scribes
Understand how HIPAA weighs in on this type of documenting process. Clinicians may find v... Read more
Reader Questions:
Understand How the NIST Phish Scale Works
Question: We are working on updating our HIPAA Security protocols after doing a risk... Read more
Understand How the NIST Phish Scale Works
Question: We are working on updating our HIPAA Security protocols after doing a risk... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Forget About These HIPAA Rules on PHI Disposal
Question: We have some student helpers working at our practice this summer. We were ... Read more
Don’t Forget About These HIPAA Rules on PHI Disposal
Question: We have some student helpers working at our practice this summer. We were ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know This About HIPAA and Group Therapy
Question: At our psychology practice, we often have group therapy sessions. How does ... Read more
Know This About HIPAA and Group Therapy
Question: At our psychology practice, we often have group therapy sessions. How does ... Read more
Enforcement News:
OCR Issues HIPAA Guidance After SCOTUS Decision
If your patients have privacy concerns about their reproductive rights, the HHS Office fo... Read more
OCR Issues HIPAA Guidance After SCOTUS Decision
If your patients have privacy concerns about their reproductive rights, the HHS Office fo... Read more
Enforcement News:
Feds Thwart Hackers in Boston Hospital Attack
With cyberattacks in the healthcare industry increasing, the Federal Bureau of Investigati... Read more
Feds Thwart Hackers in Boston Hospital Attack
With cyberattacks in the healthcare industry increasing, the Federal Bureau of Investigati... Read more
Enforcement News:
Prepare Your Systems for ICD-10 2023
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its list of ICD-10 additions, deletions, ... Read more
Prepare Your Systems for ICD-10 2023
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its list of ICD-10 additions, deletions, ... Read more
Policy:
Feds Focus Policymaking on Patient Safety, Equity Issues
See 3 initiatives that may impact health data for years to come. The COVID-19 pandemic c... Read more
Feds Focus Policymaking on Patient Safety, Equity Issues
See 3 initiatives that may impact health data for years to come. The COVID-19 pandemic c... Read more
Electronic Health Records:
Bolster Patient Safety and EHR Efficiency With AI
Hint: AI can help cut administrative burdens, too. Duplicate patient records or overlays... Read more
Bolster Patient Safety and EHR Efficiency With AI
Hint: AI can help cut administrative burdens, too. Duplicate patient records or overlays... Read more
Public Health Emergency:
Factor This Expert Telehealth and PHE Advice Into Your Policies
Know the various modifiers and when to append them. With COVID-19 spikes occurring across... Read more
Factor This Expert Telehealth and PHE Advice Into Your Policies
Know the various modifiers and when to append them. With COVID-19 spikes occurring across... Read more
Reader Questions:
Ensure All Employees Know the Importance of HIPAA
Question: We occasionally hire temporary workers and student interns at our thriving... Read more
Ensure All Employees Know the Importance of HIPAA
Question: We occasionally hire temporary workers and student interns at our thriving... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know How OCR Deals With HIPAA-Related Complaints
Question: Our practice does a pretty good job of following the HIPAA Rules, and we'v... Read more
Know How OCR Deals With HIPAA-Related Complaints
Question: Our practice does a pretty good job of following the HIPAA Rules, and we'v... Read more
Policy:
Feds Invite Feedback on HIPAA and HITECH Provisions
RFI focuses on aspects of HIPAA security and compensation after breach. Designing and im... Read more
Feds Invite Feedback on HIPAA and HITECH Provisions
RFI focuses on aspects of HIPAA security and compensation after breach. Designing and im... Read more
Remote Work Compliance:
Bolster Your VPN Security With This Insight
Tip: Make password management a priority. Whether your organization has been part of the ... Read more
Bolster Your VPN Security With This Insight
Tip: Make password management a priority. Whether your organization has been part of the ... Read more
Know the Cyber Risks Associated With RPM
Understand what constitutes an ‘IoT device.' If your practice ramped up its remote pati... Read more
Understand what constitutes an ‘IoT device.' If your practice ramped up its remote pati... Read more
Toolkit:
Register These Insider Threat ‘Indicators’
HHS provides fresh guidance on what to look for. With cyberattacks on the rise, your or... Read more
Register These Insider Threat ‘Indicators’
HHS provides fresh guidance on what to look for. With cyberattacks on the rise, your or... Read more
Privacy:
Review State Regulations to Ensure Compliance
Caution: State laws may be tougher than federal regulations. Your organization may opera... Read more
Review State Regulations to Ensure Compliance
Caution: State laws may be tougher than federal regulations. Your organization may opera... Read more
Reader Question:
Don’t Be Fooled By ‘HIPAA Certification’ Schemes
Question: We recently got a flier from a compliance company touting that it could cer... Read more
Don’t Be Fooled By ‘HIPAA Certification’ Schemes
Question: We recently got a flier from a compliance company touting that it could cer... Read more
Industry News:
Feds Extend COVID PHE for a 9th Time
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra signed a ninth extension of the COVID-19 public health emerge... Read more
Feds Extend COVID PHE for a 9th Time
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra signed a ninth extension of the COVID-19 public health emerge... Read more
Industry Notes:
Joint Advisory Warning Offers Insight on Cyber Vulnerabilities
Organizations across a myriad of industries suffered from increases in cyberattacks last y... Read more
Joint Advisory Warning Offers Insight on Cyber Vulnerabilities
Organizations across a myriad of industries suffered from increases in cyberattacks last y... Read more
Case Study:
OCR Ends Quarter With Quartet of Enforcement Actions
Caution: Expect Right of Access compliance to remain a fixture in 2022. With the feds foc... Read more
OCR Ends Quarter With Quartet of Enforcement Actions
Caution: Expect Right of Access compliance to remain a fixture in 2022. With the feds foc... Read more
Toolkit:
Bolster Data Exchange With This Health Informatics Primer
Links between common application standards may boost interoperability. If your organizat... Read more
Bolster Data Exchange With This Health Informatics Primer
Links between common application standards may boost interoperability. If your organizat... Read more
Telehealth:
Legislation Extends Telehealth Waivers Beyond PHE — With Limits
Omnibus bill gives providers hope, but the extension is not permanent. If you've been fol... Read more
Legislation Extends Telehealth Waivers Beyond PHE — With Limits
Omnibus bill gives providers hope, but the extension is not permanent. If you've been fol... Read more
Reader Questions:
Add These Resources to Your Phishing Tackle Box
Question: At our practice, we take HIPAA compliance very seriously. In fact, we regul... Read more
Add These Resources to Your Phishing Tackle Box
Question: At our practice, we take HIPAA compliance very seriously. In fact, we regul... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know the Facts on Marketing and HIPAA
Question: Our small practice often sends out annual reminders to our patients about t... Read more
Know the Facts on Marketing and HIPAA
Question: Our small practice often sends out annual reminders to our patients about t... Read more
Industry Notes:
MIPS Annual Call for PI and IA Measures Now Open
Offer your thoughts on future policies for the 2024 performance year now. If you want to ... Read more
MIPS Annual Call for PI and IA Measures Now Open
Offer your thoughts on future policies for the 2024 performance year now. If you want to ... Read more
HIPAA:
OCR Recommends Focus on Cybersecurity in 2022
After 2021 cyberattack spikes, feds urge CEs to better mitigate threats. Even before the... Read more
OCR Recommends Focus on Cybersecurity in 2022
After 2021 cyberattack spikes, feds urge CEs to better mitigate threats. Even before the... Read more
Toolkit:
Enhance Cybersecurity Skills With These Federal Tools
Tip: Start small as you ramp up your implementation of new policies. If you're trying to... Read more
Enhance Cybersecurity Skills With These Federal Tools
Tip: Start small as you ramp up your implementation of new policies. If you're trying to... Read more
Health Information Exchange:
ONC Follows Through on Cures Act Provisions With TEFCA
Latest policies aim to streamline data sharing with better HIEs. The pandemic shined a ... Read more
ONC Follows Through on Cures Act Provisions With TEFCA
Latest policies aim to streamline data sharing with better HIEs. The pandemic shined a ... Read more
Sequoia Project Publishes Free PHE Guide
Emergency preparedness continues to be a hot topic in the health IT industry, particularly... Read more
Emergency preparedness continues to be a hot topic in the health IT industry, particularly... Read more
Reader Question:
Boost Security With This Wi-Fi Insight
Question: Our hospital's IT department has built a Wi-Fi network that has the bandwidth to... Read more
Boost Security With This Wi-Fi Insight
Question: Our hospital's IT department has built a Wi-Fi network that has the bandwidth to... Read more
Industry Notes:
Feds Provide Tips on HIPAA-Compliant Transactions
Figuring out the nuances of the HIPAA Simplification rules and how they apply to your prac... Read more
Feds Provide Tips on HIPAA-Compliant Transactions
Figuring out the nuances of the HIPAA Simplification rules and how they apply to your prac... Read more
Industry Notes:
OCR Updates Guidance on the Intersection of Gender, Civil Rights, and Privacy
The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a brief on transgender and gender nonconformi... Read more
OCR Updates Guidance on the Intersection of Gender, Civil Rights, and Privacy
The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a brief on transgender and gender nonconformi... Read more
Industry Notes:
FDA Gets New Commissioner
What's old is new again — or at least that's the case in the U.S. Food and Drug Administ... Read more
FDA Gets New Commissioner
What's old is new again — or at least that's the case in the U.S. Food and Drug Administ... Read more
Industry Notes:
Bipartisan Efforts Continue to Extend Telehealth Coverage
During the pandemic, the Medicare telehealth expansion allowed many providers to keep thei... Read more
Bipartisan Efforts Continue to Extend Telehealth Coverage
During the pandemic, the Medicare telehealth expansion allowed many providers to keep thei... Read more
HIPAA:
Bolster HIPAA Understanding With These Fundamentals
Tip: Train staff on regulations to boost compliance efforts. You may discuss HIPAA with ... Read more
Bolster HIPAA Understanding With These Fundamentals
Tip: Train staff on regulations to boost compliance efforts. You may discuss HIPAA with ... Read more
Compliance:
Feds Continue to Target PHE-Related Telehealth Services in 2022
Tip: Prepare for possible OIG scrutiny now. As providers struggled to contend with the p... Read more
Feds Continue to Target PHE-Related Telehealth Services in 2022
Tip: Prepare for possible OIG scrutiny now. As providers struggled to contend with the p... Read more
MPFS 2022 Focuses on Telehealth Evolution
In the calendar year (CY) 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), the Centers for Med... Read more
In the calendar year (CY) 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), the Centers for Med... Read more
Utilize Opportunities to Review Telehealth Practices
Tip: Examine compliance policies and make adjustments as needed. Whether your organizatio... Read more
Tip: Examine compliance policies and make adjustments as needed. Whether your organizatio... Read more
Reader Questions:
Understand These HIPAA Conduit Exception Rule Specifics
Question: With all the concerns over cybersecurity issues over the last couple of years, w... Read more
Understand These HIPAA Conduit Exception Rule Specifics
Question: With all the concerns over cybersecurity issues over the last couple of years, w... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know the Facts on Gap Analysis Vs. Risk Analysis
Question: We keep hearing that a gap analysis of how we implement our HIPAA compliance pla... Read more
Know the Facts on Gap Analysis Vs. Risk Analysis
Question: We keep hearing that a gap analysis of how we implement our HIPAA compliance pla... Read more
Industry News:
Don’t Forget to Report 2021 Small Breaches to OCR By March 1
If your practice experienced a small breach last year, the clock is winding down on alerti... Read more
Don’t Forget to Report 2021 Small Breaches to OCR By March 1
If your practice experienced a small breach last year, the clock is winding down on alerti... Read more
Industry Notes:
ONC Wants Input on Prior Authorization for HIT
The feds aim to help healthcare providers cut down on their administrative duties and give... Read more
ONC Wants Input on Prior Authorization for HIT
The feds aim to help healthcare providers cut down on their administrative duties and give... Read more
Industry Notes:
Stay on Top of Promoting Interoperability Program 2021 Attestation Due Dates
Hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs) that haven't registered for the Promoting I... Read more
Stay on Top of Promoting Interoperability Program 2021 Attestation Due Dates
Hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs) that haven't registered for the Promoting I... Read more
Industry Notes:
PHE Gets Its 8th Renewal
You can heave a sigh of relief — the feds are extending the COVID-19 Public Health Emerg... Read more
PHE Gets Its 8th Renewal
You can heave a sigh of relief — the feds are extending the COVID-19 Public Health Emerg... Read more
HIPAA:
OCR Bolsters Public Safety With Guidance on Extreme Risk Protection Orders
Update offers clarity on PHI disclosures in crisis situations. Since the pandemic began, ... Read more
OCR Bolsters Public Safety With Guidance on Extreme Risk Protection Orders
Update offers clarity on PHI disclosures in crisis situations. Since the pandemic began, ... Read more
Spotlight On Technology:
Harness Augmented Reality to Enhance Patient Care
Tip: AR can be a critical tool in pediatric settings. As technology in healthcare continu... Read more
Harness Augmented Reality to Enhance Patient Care
Tip: AR can be a critical tool in pediatric settings. As technology in healthcare continu... Read more
Revenue Booster:
Utilize Internal Audits to Nix 2022 Billing Woes
Tip: Use monthly data reports to nip problems in the bud. With the Omicron variant on th... Read more
Utilize Internal Audits to Nix 2022 Billing Woes
Tip: Use monthly data reports to nip problems in the bud. With the Omicron variant on th... Read more
Reader Questions:
Consider This Advice Before Giving Free Samples to Patients
Question: Our practice physicians have frequently supplied free samples to our patien... Read more
Consider This Advice Before Giving Free Samples to Patients
Question: Our practice physicians have frequently supplied free samples to our patien... Read more
Reader Questions:
Understand HIPAA Protections for Decedents
Question: As a skilled nursing facility, what are our responsibilities for protecting or d... Read more
Understand HIPAA Protections for Decedents
Question: As a skilled nursing facility, what are our responsibilities for protecting or d... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know the Rules on Sharing Restricted PHI
Question: Does our practice have to honor a patient's request to limit or restrict di... Read more
Know the Rules on Sharing Restricted PHI
Question: Does our practice have to honor a patient's request to limit or restrict di... Read more
Industry Notes:
HHS Boosts HIT With COVID-19-Inspired Program
Since the pandemic began, many systemic healthcare issues have been in the news. Among the... Read more
HHS Boosts HIT With COVID-19-Inspired Program
Since the pandemic began, many systemic healthcare issues have been in the news. Among the... Read more
Industry Notes:
OIG Offers Insight Into Telehealth Trends During COVID
Telehealth visits performed during the public health emergency (PHE) continue to be on the... Read more
OIG Offers Insight Into Telehealth Trends During COVID
Telehealth visits performed during the public health emergency (PHE) continue to be on the... Read more