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Health Information Compliance Alert

COMPLIANCE STRATEGY:
Oh No! Your Protected Health Information Is Leaking
Use this 4-step plan to plug holes in your privacy compliance program. You can significant... Read more
PRIVACY:
When Charts Go Home, HIPAA Rules Must Follow
2 strategies help prevent leaks when physicians take charts out of the office. Picture thi... Read more
FUNDING:
Assessing PHI Flow Is Key To Compliance Budget
Simple fixes like moving the cash register can save you money. Coming up with a HIPAA budg... Read more
GENETIC PRIVACY:
Study Shows Genetic Info Lacks Privacy Protections
Employers could be at risk when they collect genetic data from employees. Knowing which r... Read more
PRIVACY:
Do NPPs Require A Skilled Tongue? Here's Your Answer
Take a reasonable approach when addressing the language needs of your patients. Sprechen s... Read more
YOU BE THE SECURITY EXPERT:
Two Questions Help Create A BA Agreement
Question: "We're a small hospital and we have several business associate agreements contra... Read more
COMPLIANCE TOOL:
Is A Business Or Agency A Health Care Clearinghouse?
Use this chart to help you identify clearinghouse criteria.  ... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Avert A Minor Problem
Question: A minor patient requested a copy of his medical record. Would giving him access ... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Use Common Sense With NPPs
Question: "Required notices sent by financial institutions -- such as the Gramm-Leach... Read more
READER QUESTION:
User Identification and Sharing PHI
Question: Regarding the security rule's user identification requirements: If one wanted to... Read more
TRANSACTIONS:
TCS Testing Plan Vital To Ensure Your Business' Survival
3 tips to help you avoid enforcement watchdogs and lost revenues. If you haven't tested yo... Read more
PATIENT RIGHTS:
Key Strategies For Handling HIPAA's Accounting of Disclosures Provision
If a patient wants to see how you've handled his PHI, you have to comply. OK, pop quiz: Ca... Read more
PATIENT RIGHTS:
These Tips Help You Set Up A Disclosure Accounting System
Simple documentation protocol is easier and less expensive than you think. Once your orga... Read more
TRAINING:
Use Real-Life Examples For More Effective HIPAA Instruction
Check your program for these 3 basic components. If you're planning to educate only your m... Read more
YOU BE THE SECURITY EXPERT:
What Should We Do If Our Transcribers Are In Another Country?
Read the situation below and decide how you would handle it before you compare it to our e... Read more
INDUSTRY NEWS
HIPAA Provision Requires Some ALFs to Obtain National Provider Identifier The Centers for ... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Do We Sign BAA For Clearinghouse?
Question: We have decided to use a clearinghouse for our transactions. The company we've c... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Just Say "No" To Legislative Queries
Question: Legislative staffers have contacted several of our physicians recently wanting t... Read more
PRIVACY COMPLIANCE ~ 8 Questions To Ask When Drafting HIPAA Sanction Policies
Have you recently taken a look at your list of what constitutes a violation of the privacy... Read more
Electronic Health Records ~ You Could Soon Get Help Upgrading Your Computer Systems
CMS, OIG loosen up on donations of e-prescription, EHR systems. Hospitals will be able to ... Read more
You Be The Security Expert ~ Do We Need A Backup For Our Audits?
Read the situation below and decide how you would handle it before you compare it to our e... Read more
Privacy Compliance ~ Use This Advice To Prevent Privacy Breaches In Your Clinical Lab
Direct or indirect treatment provider? Know your obligations. Many labs may still be unsur... Read more
Privacy Tips ~ Fine Tune Your Lab's HIPAA Compliance With These 3 Tips
Don't let lab data streams spill over into privacy violations. While clinical labs may oc... Read more
Training ~ Keep HIPAA Simple:
Link Privacy Training To Jobs For Best Results
Are your business associate relationships properly labeled? Teaching staff about HIPAA can... Read more
INDUSTRY NEWS ~ Will Your Computers Be Able To Talk To Each Other?
House and Senate set to hash out fate of health IT. Stay tuned: You could be facing a tigh... Read more
Compliance Tool:
2 Response Letters Keep Patients Posted On Complaints
Put your actions in writing and protect against further criticism.Don't let your patients ... Read more
Reader Question ~ "MARKETING," "RESEARCH" OR JUST PLAIN QA?
Question: I work for a chemical dependency care facility, and we're considering creating n... Read more
Reader Question ~ PHI DISCLOSURE AND THE BADGE
Question: Here's a hypothetical situation, but one that happens all too often: A traffic a... Read more
Reader Question ~ SIGN BEFORE TEST RESULTS GO ON THE NET
Question: If a patient wishes to have test results sent to him via e-mail and has signed a... Read more
Security Compliance:
Incapacitated Patients And HIPAA--Know Your Disclosure Obligations
3 scenarios help you when patients can't speak for themselves.It's a common occurrence in ... Read more
Training Strategies:
3 Key Points Maximize Your Scripting Success
Know when canned responses could land you in hot water.While scripting may be a valuable r... Read more
Security Tool:
Understand When To Disclose PHI For Public Health Emergencies
This chart takes you through the HIPAA info flow.... Read more
YOU BE THE SECURITY EXPERT:
SHOULD WE FESS UP TO ALL ERRONEOUS DISCLOSURES?
Read the situation below and decide how you would handle it before you compare it to our e... Read more
Training Tool:
Saddle Up With These Scripting Samples
Use this sample to craft your own practice's script.Has the cat got your staff's tongue wh... Read more
NPP Strategies:
Untangle The Intricacies Of OHCAs And NPPs
Learn how OHCAs can stay the NPP beast.Knowing how to address HIPAA's notice of privacy pr... Read more
INDUSTRY NOTES:
CMS Experiments With Transferring Claims Data To PHRs
My.Medicare.gov pages not 'true' PHRs, agency says.The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
MINIMUM NECESSARY APPLIES TO PATIENTS' NAMES
Question: Is it OK to call out full names in a waiting room? Can you ask for "John Smith,"... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
SOLVE THIS DRS DILEMMA
Question: If the patient asks for a copy of her medical records, should the records from o... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED--IT'S YOURS
Question: After a patient signs an authorization form for the release of protected health ... Read more
Security Compliance:
Don't Wager On HIPAA To Protect Patient Privacy At The Bank
But making the bank a business associate can temporarily safeguard your PHI.Do you send yo... Read more
Security Strategies:
HIPAA Compliant Banks Can Save You Money
Banks performing more clearinghouse functions, say experts.Partnering with your bank to pr... Read more
Training Strategies:
Attain Optimal Compliance By Scripting Responses For Frontline Staffers
Scripting makes your life easier by putting everyone on the same page.If all the world's a... Read more
YOU BE THE SECURITY EXPERT:
DO WE HAVE TO AGREE TO PATIENTS' RESTRICTION REQUESTS?
Read the situation below and decide how you would handle it before you compare it to our e... Read more
Security Tool:
Correct Your Fax Mistakes With This Form
If your office uses a fax machine for any type of communication, the chances that you'll s... Read more
Privacy Tip:
For PHI Peace Of Mind, Be Kind & Remind
Crafting log-on banners helps staff safeguard protected info.Don't have the time or energy... Read more
INDUSTRY NEWS:
Take A Number If Your Recertification Expires Soon
You may need an NPI, that is.Your claims won't require a National Provider Identifier (NPI... Read more
READER QUESTIONS
ARE PHOTOGRAPHS PHI INDENTIFIERS?Question: For demonstration purposes in a sales context, ... Read more
Compliance Tactics:
Nip Security Problems In The Bud With Walkthrough Inspections
Follow this advice to keep your compliance plan in shape.Your security compliance program ... Read more
Security Tool:
Use This Checklist On Your Next Walkthrough
Are you overlooking these crucial security breaches?Conduct a walkthrough to quickly and e... Read more
YOU BE THE SECURITY EXPERT:
HOW SHOULD WE ACCOUNT FOR WORKER'S COMP DISCLOSURES?
Read the situation below and decide how you would handle it before you compare it to our e... Read more
Security Strategies:
Don't Axe The Security Rule's Addressable Standards
Instead, whittle them down to fit your needs.You can't ignore the security rule's addressa... Read more
Training Strategies:
Train Staff To Protect Email Without Encryption--Here's How
You can secure emailed data without breaking the bank.Once you allow your staffers to send... Read more
Privacy Strategies:
Use This Script If A Patient Asks About Disclosures
Know which standard disclosures you don't need to worry about.If a staff member lacks basi... Read more
Training Tip:
Case Study--You Can't Skimp On Training For Temps
Here's how one compliance officer trains all her personnel to protect patients' PHI.It's n... Read more
INDUSTRY NEWS:
Big Grants Could Bring Insurers Health IT Initiatives To Fruition
Demonstration tech projects get hefty cash infusions.The Bush Administration's push to adv... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
GET PERMISSION BEFORE EMAILING IMMUNIZATION REMINDERS
Question: We like to send email reminders to employees who need to update their immunizati... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
BEWARE FAXING ABSENTEE FORMS TO SCHOOLS
Question: Can we fax absentee notes and forms authorizing the administration of medication... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
GIVE DEPARTMENTS THEIR OWN KEYS
Question: We want to use the same locks on all our facility's interior doors. The keys to ... Read more
Compliance Update:
Stay Penalty Free By Redoubling Your Privacy Compliance Efforts
Health systems struggle to comply, survey suggests.Once your HIPAA privacy program's in pl... Read more
Compliance Tool:
Got It Covered? Audit Your HIPAA Policies With This Checklist
Quiz your security officers to be sure.For compliance, be sure your privacy policies cover... Read more
YOU BE THE SECURITY EXPERT:
HOW DO YOU HANDLE AN ON-SITE PRIVACY RULE INVESTIGATION?
Question: We're adding to our privacy compliance handbook a section on how to respond to a... Read more
Training Strategies:
Use Your Risk Assessment As A Training Tool--Here's How
Compliance gaps can become training opportunities.Conducting a thorough risk assessment is... Read more
Security Strategies:
'Scrub-A-Dub-Dub'--Take These Steps To Sanitize Your PHI
Don't scrap old computers before performing vital safety checks.Covered entities, be forew... Read more
Transactions Tool:
Survey Helps You Save Time And Money With Software Vendors
Stay tech savvy and HIPAA compliant with this checklist.If you don't ask the right questio... Read more
Privacy Strategies:
3-Step Process Helps Ensure HIPAA-Compliant Psychotherapy
For mental health care, let cooler heads prevail with patient notes.While HIPAA doesn't re... Read more
INDUSTRY NEWS:
Providers Warm Up To Payer-Based EHRs
Carriers bring more providers on board with clinical quality assurance.President's orders:... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
SHOULD WE REPORT BOTH WRONGFUL AND INCIDENTAL DISCLOSURES?
Question: What is the difference between a wrongful and an incidental disclosure of protec... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
KNOW WHEN JOB NECESSITATES RETRAINING
Question: When an employee changes jobs within your facility--say, from temp to permanent-... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
CAST A CRITICAL EYE ON RESEARCH REQUESTS
Question: A visiting doctor wants to use our patients' medical information in an article s... Read more
COMPLIANCE STRATEGIES:
6 Steps Help You Guard Against Incidental PHI Disclosures
Understand what "reasonable" protection means for your office.Fail to take appropriate ste... Read more
Compliance Strategies:
Crack Down On PHI Leaks With Staff Discovery Tools
Empower workforce members to log and minimize all incidental PHI exposures.Monitoring for ... Read more
Security:
Get Staff Rolling With Role-Based Access Control
Stop unauthorized PHI disclosures before they start with 'RBAC.'If you don't limit the amo... Read more
Security Tool:
Encryption Policy Gives You The Keys To Wireless Security
Adapt this format to keep information thieves out and your PHI safe.Encryption is your bes... Read more
Privacy Compliance:
Use These Quick Tips To Keep 'Removable Media' In Check
Don't let lost diskettes cause deep regrets.You have your protected health information, bu... Read more
YOU BE THE SECURITY EXPERT:
ARE OFF-SITE CLINICS THAT BILL MANUALLY EXEMPT FROM HIPAA?
Read the situation below and decide how you would handle it before you compare it to our e... Read more
INDUSTRY NEWS:
Bill Proposes EHRs For All Federal Employees, Ties Funding To Performance
But to allow carriers to create files automatically or benes to opt-in--that is the questi... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
LOOK TO STATES FOR CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY RULES
Question: Does HIPAA specify how medical records that document chemical or alcohol depende... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
PLAY IT SAFE WITH ANSWERING MACHINE MESSAGES
Question: Can we leave phone messages on a patient's answering machine? Answer: Yes, but w... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
SHOULD WE HIRE ANOTHER OFFICER?
Question: Do we need to hire a security officer to begin our compliance efforts with the s... Read more
COMPLIANCE STRATEGIES:
SHORE UP PRIVACY RULE COMPLIANCE WITH A PHI KIOSK
Don't forget--your patients have access rights too!You may be so busy with other matters t... Read more
Security Tool:
CHART HELPS YOU JUMPSTART YOUR SECURITY INCIDENT COMMUNICATION
Guard against serious data omissions with this handy form.You know the HIPAA security rule... Read more
Security Strategies:
USE THIS EXPERT ADVICE TO STOP HIPAA SCAMMERS IN THEIR TRACKS
Don't be duped by a 'certified' HIPAA trainer who's a wolf in sheep's clothing.If you're n... Read more
YOU BE THE SECURITY EXPERT:
WILL EMPLOYEES' FITNESS CENTERS BECOME BUSINESS ASSOCIATES?
Question: As a health insurer, we would like to work with our at-risk enrollees' local fit... Read more
Privacy Compliance:
DEFUSE PATIENT COMPLIANTS WITH THESE PROTOCOLS
Putting a compliant on the back burner can land you in hot water with the feds.When you pr... Read more
INDUSTRY NEWS:
GEAR UP NOW FOR FINAL HIPAA ENFORCEMENT RULE
Rule finalizes civil monetary penalty regulations.The Final Rule on HIPAA Enforcement is h... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
AVERT TRAUMA BY PROTECTING SURGERY LIST
Question: We're a busy four-doctor orthopedic office, and our physicians are trauma surgeo... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
LOOK TO STATES FOR COMMUNICABLE DISEASE RULES
Question: An employee who works at our company has shingles and has been in contact with s... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
SPOUSE GETS SPECIAL PRIVILEGES UNDER HIPAA
Question: How does HIPAA affect married couples? Does HIPAA allow for more disclosure to a... Read more
Security Strategies:
Check Your Security Plan For These Safety Measures
Visitors could be downloading PHI right under your nose.Safeguarding your practice from se... Read more
Security Tool:
Review Your Security Compliance With This Risk Assessment Checklist
Handy form helps you estimate your practice's vulnerabilities.You know it's time for a sec... Read more
Compliance Strategies:
Allow Patients Access To PHI With These Compliance Tips
Your response to PHI requests could save your compliance program.The privacy rule gives yo... Read more
YOU BE THE SECURITY EXPERT:
WHAT DO WE DO WHEN OUR MANAGER WON'T ENFORCE HIPPA?
Read the situation below and decide how you would handle it before you compare it to our e... Read more
Privacy Compliance:
Recruit Research Participants Without Hitting HIPAA Hurdles
Here's a roadmap to guide you safely down the rocky recruitment path.While most of the med... Read more
INDUSTRY NEWS:
Prescription Drug Package Inserts Encourage Better Compliance
Long-overdue redesign improves information but sparks controversy.The Food and Drug Admini... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
GET SIGNED CONSENT FOR INMATE'S PHI
Question: Our hospital recently treated an inmate of the county correctional facility. Can... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
TRAVELING NURSE SHOULD USE DISCRETION
Question: We have a traveling nurse who works at several hospitals in the same town. Can s... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
INVESTIGATE AUDIT'S SECURITY BREACHES
Question: We have begun auditing our computer systems. Through the audit logs, we discover... Read more
Security Strategies:
5 SECURITY RULE MISCONCEPTIONS THAT COULD LAND YOU IN HOT WATER
Let our experts guide you through the security rule's gray areasAre you sure you're interp... Read more
Security Tip:
DEFEND PATIENTS' PHI WITH SHREDDERS
Put shredder where it will be utilized most.If an identity thief nabs some of a patient's ... Read more
Regulations:
WHAT THE REGS SAY ABOUT...FLEXIBILITY OF APPROACH
Here's what the final HIPAA security rule says about the amount of flexibility your facili... Read more
YOU BE THE SECURITY EXPERT:
DO WE HAVE TO REPORT ALL EMPLOYEE CONTACT WITH PATIENTS' PHI
c Read the situation below and decide how you would handle it before you compare it to our... Read more
Compliance:
HOW CAREFUL ARE YOU WITH YOUR PATIENTS' TEST RESULTS?
10 tips on making sure patients, physicians see test resultsIf you're not vigilant about h... Read more
Technology Update:
INSURERS TAKE THE LEAD IN HEALTH CARE IT CHARGE
Health plans push innovations that improve quality, cost and efficiency, survey finds.Heal... Read more
INDUSTRY NEWS:
BILL CONFEREES CONSIDER MEDICAID BENEFIT CUTS
Plus:  Scrutiny of Medicare QIOs intensifies.Just as the much-debated budget reconcil... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
IS INFORMATION ON WHITE BOARDS PROTECTED?
Question: Our clinical nursing and therapy staff would like to install white boards in sem... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
AUTHORIZE RELEASE FOR EMPLOYER DRUG TESTS
Question: A patient came in for a drug test that was initiated and paid for by her employe... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
DON'T THROW OUT THOSE TRAINING RECORDS
Question: Does the privacy rule mandate that we keep our training documentation, like sign... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
GUARDIAN CAN DENY PHI ACCESS
Question: One of our minor patients wants a copy of her medical records; however, her cust... Read more
Compliance:
Think a PHI Release Authorization Is Forever? Think Again
How to make sure your authorization hasn't expired One year ago, your patient signed an au... Read more
You Be The Security Officer:
Good Shredding Rips Thieves' Hopes To Pieces
Question: Our medical office is in the process of switching from paper records to electron... Read more
Security Tips:
Create A Failsafe Procedure To Protect Office From Leaks, Viruses
Train staff to recognize and eradicate Internet scamsStaying on top of viruses and hoaxes ... Read more
Security Strategies:
Keep Staff On Same HIPAA Page With Set Sanctions
Applying sanctions consistently when employees disclose PHI is most effectiveSuppose a sta... Read more
Technology Legislation:
HHS Could Be Giving Health IT Grants Soon
New bill would improve your bottom line and your HIPAA compliance The Senate recently... Read more
News You Can Use
Electronic Transactions Require Full Compliance Keeping up with providers' incre... Read more
Reader Questions:
Submitting Electronic Claims? Use A BAA
Question: We are moving to electronic billing but currently submit paper claims. Do we nee... Read more
Reader Questions:
Vendor Should Certify Practice's System
Question: What's the best way to verify that our new practice management system is HIPAA c... Read more
Reader Questions:
Assess Employee's Reasons
Question: One of our nurses has been copying and taking home our physicians' daily schedul... Read more
Reader Questions:
Privacy Rule Applies To Physician Phone Calls
Question: Many of our physicians speak with patients or other treating physicians over the... Read more
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