Articles Tagged With: HIPAA
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OCR’s Report to Congress Shows Increase in Complaints
The Office for Civil Rights’ annual report to Congress showed “significant increases” in HIPAA complaints — 34,077 new complaints in 2021, a 25% increase from 2020. Complaints increased 39% from 2017 to 2021.
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Breaches Sometimes Kept Secret, but Decision Is Highly Dangerous
Cybersecurity professionals often are told to keep breaches confidential, according to a recent survey that suggests healthcare organizations may be risking serious consequences for not reporting the improper loss of protected health information controlled by HIPAA.
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Reality TV Shows Still Pose Great Risks to Hospitals
Even after hospitals were fined millions of dollars for participating in reality TV shows, some healthcare facilities are allowing cameras in again. The experience comes with great risk. The Office for Civil Rights has penalized hospitals for HIPAA violations related to reality TV.
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HHS Announces Reorganization of Office for Civil Rights
The announcement arrives days after the agency reported to Congress a spike in alleged HIPAA and HITECH violations.
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Legal Landmines for Patients Referred to ED for Psychiatric Evaluation
These risks relate to information-sharing for care coordination and continuity of care.
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OCR Strengthens Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records
The Office for Civil Rights and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recently announced proposed changes to the Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records under 42 CFR Part 2, which could affect HIPAA compliance programs.
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Tracking Software Can Lead to HIPAA Violations
The HHS Office for Civil Rights has released a bulletin warning the use of website tracking technologies could result in HIPAA violations. Covered entities need to review their use of these tracking technologies and make necessary improvements.
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Three Steps to Better Cybersecurity
Healthcare organizations that are reactive rather than proactive with cybersecurity are especially vulnerable to ransomware attacks. Staying proactive is about much more than developing and implementing an incident response to comply with HIPAA.
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Watch for Emerging Threats and Risks in 2023
Over the coming year, risk managers can benefit by watching recent trends in telehealth, labor shortages, and data breaches.
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Proper Disposal of PHI Required, Often Overlooked
The Office for Civil Rights announced a settlement with a Massachusetts dermatology clinic regarding the improper disposal of PHI, which serves as a reminder HIPAA compliance is not only about protecting data from hackers. Covered entities also are responsible for disposing of PHI appropriately.