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Articles Tagged With: compliance

  • Apologizing Still Works, But Ensure It Is Done Correctly

    Saying “I’m sorry” after an adverse event has become more accepted in recent years to express the clinician or administrator’s sincere regret at the unfortunate outcome, which was discouraged for many years for fear it would be seen as a legal admission of guilt. On the contrary, it has been shown to diffuse the emotions of a patient or family member and diminish the likelihood of litigation. But exactly how those words of regret are spoken can be important.

  • Risk Managers Valued in Compliance Program Guidance from OIG

    The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General recently issued its new General Compliance Program Guidance, the first of a series of compliance guidelines expected from the OIG, providing guidance, tools, and references addressed to federal healthcare program providers and suppliers. OIG makes clear that risk managers are an integral part of the effort.

  • Making Sense of the CMS Discharge Planning Rule

    Working to maintain compliance with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rules is a challenge. But when the messaging seems confusing or inconsistent, the task is that much more difficult.

  • What to Expect After a HIPAA Violation

    Discovering a HIPAA violation in your organization inevitably causes anxiety about what will follow and how bad the consequences can be. Understanding the process and what to expect can ease some of the worry and help you manage the process to the best possible resolution.

  • EMTALA Still Poses Challenges After All These Years

    EMTALA has encouraged the safe care of emergent patients since 1986, yet it still poses significant compliance challenges and hospitals are cited for violations. Understanding the potential pitfalls and best practices can help healthcare organizations avoid serious consequences.

  • Ensuring Compliance in Case Management Is Critical

    Many compliance issues in the CMS Conditions of Participation for utilization review and discharge planning need attention. Ensuring compliance is critical for improving patient care, preventing financial penalties or sanctions, and avoiding trouble with governmental authorities by identifying and correcting compliance issues early.

  • State Laws on PHI Require Careful Consideration

    Complying with HIPAA requirements on patient privacy may be difficult sometimes, but it is not enough. State laws also apply — and they may come with different requirements.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Sentinel Events Increased in 2022, Fall Reports Up Sharply

    The Joint Commission’s latest report on sentinel events shows a 19% increase from 2021 to 2022. Falls, which were the most common sentinel event, increased almost 27%.