An advisory opinion from CMS to the South Carolina Hospital Association has nixed the growing practice of posting drug dispensing policy statements in the waiting area to warn pain patients that they are not going to get pain drugs that are common drugs of abuse. The goal of such signs is to discourage drug seekers … Read more
While most folks have not taken the time to read the 561-page HIPAA amendment regulation that goes into effect later this month, there is one huge issue lurking there for hospitals and physicians that use on-line services that digitally transfer, use, or store personal health information (PHI). The new regulations make these folks Business Associates, … Read more
In what could be the largest intentional wholesale breach of online privacy in history, NBC News is reporting that the Obama administration has turned over its campaign data base to a newly formed advocacy organization being set up to help ramrod administration policy through Congress. Although it is likely that individuals in the database might … Read more
In response to the release last week of the new HIPAA “mega” regulation, the HHS Office of Civil Rights (OCR) has released a proposed sample of a Business Associates Agreement that includes requirements of the new Regulation. The sample is not a required form, but provides a broad form for healthcare providers who do not … Read more
Physicians could become the targets of opportunity for lawyers in high profile “Active Shooter” cases, as an unanticipated outcome of the Administration’s move against guns as a result of school and other shooting events. As gun owners resist the facile “gun violence” label and force a look at the incidents involved, the fact-finding is leading … Read more
We have all walked by the Red Cross sign in airports indicating where a heart machine is located. You may know how to use it, but do your friends and family? Try this video and see what you think. If you pick the wrong choice—-the man dies—-choose wisely May save a life. I Just watched … Read more
US Rep. Fortney “Pete” Stark (D. Calif) will be absent when Congress reconvenes in the new Session for the first time since his landmark EMTALA law was passed in 1986. Stark was defeated in a Democract party primary for his California district. For most of his career in Congress, Stark was a major player in … Read more
I am making a personal appeal to my US Congressmen and Senators to award the Congressional Medical of Honor to Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty. These two men were killed in the attack on the Libyan Consulate. Why should they rate this high honor? We now know that these two former Navy SEALS were at … Read more
Our recent webinar featuring Steve Wilder discussing OSHA Workplace Violence enforcement actions against healthcare facilities is now available online by clicking on the following link for replay times and reservations. http://goo.gl/898fu
For an interesting and non-threatening approach to the topic of HIPAA privacy and security, the feds have released an online game at http://lnkd.in/NDigJx . While this game certainly is not a comprehensive staff training on HIPAA, it is a good way to open the discussion and start real training. I suggest that you use the game as … Read more