Articles Tagged With: HHS
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Improve Documentation for Compliance, Med/Mal Defense
Good documentation is the foundation of any solid malpractice defense and proper continuity of care argument, so risk managers constantly urge clinicians to make meticulous notes. But there are many ways in which documentation can fall short. Frequent education and adjustment to technological changes can be key to making good documentation.
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Video Recording Raises Risk, Requires Policy Consideration
Video recording has been problematic in healthcare for decades, ever since the home video camera became common. With the proliferation of smartphones and remote video monitoring, hospitals and health systems are facing a new wave of questions and potential risks from video recording in patient care settings.
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OIG Issues Alert on Telemedicine Fraud
The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General recently issued a Special Fraud Alert on arrangements with telemedicine companies, describing seven characteristics that could suggest a risk of fraud and abuse.
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OCR Releases Guidance on Audio-Only Telehealth
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) recently issued guidance on how covered entities can use audio-only telehealth services in compliance with HIPAA. In line with what is referred to as the common carrier exception, OCR clarified the Security Rule does not apply to audio-only telehealth services provided by a covered entity that is using a standard landline.
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Repercussions of State Abortion Bans
The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade changes nearly everything for physicians who provide abortion care, especially for those in states that have banned the procedure. Reproductive health providers in abortion-ban states may face criminal charges if they perform an abortion — even when the pregnant patient’s life and health are at risk.
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HRSA Compliance Exposes Hospitals to Liability and Fines
The Health Resources and Services Administration program that reimbursed providers for COVID-19-related treatment for uninsured patients was instrumental in helping hospitals survive the pandemic without excessive financial losses. But the federal government is looking at how that money was obtained and whether it was spent properly.
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Biden Signs Executive Order Protecting Reproductive Rights
Action aims to protect access to healthcare services, patient privacy.
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OCR Researching How Covered Entities Implement Security Practices
OCR recently released a request for information soliciting public comment on how regulated entities are voluntarily implementing security practices under the HITECH Act. It also is seeking public input on sharing funds collected through enforcement with individuals who are harmed via HIPAA violations. -
Breach Report Reveals 61% Increase in Breaches Affecting 500+
OCR recently submitted a report to Congress setting forth the HIPAA breaches and complaints reported in 2020 as well as the enforcement actions taken by OCR. For 2020, OCR reported 656 notifications of breaches affecting 500 or more individuals, 66,509 notifications of breaches affecting fewer than 500 individuals, and 27,182 complaints alleging violations of HIPAA and the HITECH Act. -
White House Targets Long COVID
The Biden administration has launched a major initiative to bolster research on long COVID and improve the health of patients diagnosed with the mysterious collection of ailments.