Health Information Compliance Alert
OFFICE GIFTS GET GREEN LIGHT
Question: Do doctor's offices need to obtain authorization before distributing any kind of promotional gift (of nominal value) to patients?
Iowa Subscriber
Answer: No. There is an exception in the HIPAA Privacy Rule that says covered entities are allowed to distribute such gifts without prior authorization. These distributions may be permitted even if a covered entity offers the promotional gift in order to encourage patients to purchase the services or products being promoted, states the HHS on its Web page.
The authorization usually covers items or services from a third party that may or may not be health-related and items or services produced by the covered entity that are not health-related. Some of the items under the authorization exception are logoed pens, notepads, cups or, in the case of dentistry, toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste.
Health Information Compliance Alert
- SECURITY:
5 Easy Ways To Protect Your Computers And Stamp Out Security Rule Breaches
Batten down workstations' hatches to ward off PHI leaks.
Even the most advanced internal security controls [...] - Security Compliance:
Don't Let Security Incidents Catch You By Surprise
Expert guidance helps you spot incidents before the feds spot you.
You have to protect your [...] - Information Technology Update:
HHS To Transition AHIC To Private Sector Entity
Health IT leadership not confined to federal decision makers.
The feds are moving to further integrate [...] - YOU BE THE SECURITY EXPERT:
SHOULD WE PUT 'SELL BY' DATES ON AUTHORIZATIONS?
Question: Does an authorization always need an expiration date?
Answer: The Privacy Rule requires that [...] - HIPAA Training:
Don't Get Rear-Ended By Your Front Desk
Key: Train staff on Privacy Rule's minimum necessary requirements.
When health care providers think of the [...] - Privacy Compliance:
The Right Way To Handle Patients' Confidential Communications Requests
4 steps to guarantee your staff doesn't spill the beans.
The Privacy Rule mandates that you [...] - Privacy Tool:
Use This Tool To Keep Track Of Patients' Confidential Communications Requests
Are you prepared to [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
GROUP HEALTH PLANS CAN DISCLOSE PHI
Question: Can a group health plan disclose protected health information to the plan sponsor without [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
'CONSENT' DOESN'T IMPLY 'AUTHORIZATION'
Question: What is the difference between "consent" and "authorization" under the Privacy Rule?
Utah Subscriber
[...] - READER QUESTIONS:
OFFICE GIFTS GET GREEN LIGHT
Question: Do doctor's offices need to obtain authorization before distributing any kind of promotional gift [...] - Industry News:
Medicaid Crackdown On Noncompliant Prescriptions Underway
Overlooking this law will guarantee denials.
On Oct. 1, state Medicaid directors began enforcing a law [...]
