As a follow up to my previous blog on whether hospital-based physicians need HIPAA programs (such as pathologists, anesthesiologists and radiologists), we are hearing about a major breach of medical records regarding a pathology billing company in the Boston area. According to an article posted by PHIPrivacy.net, it appears the billing company, Goldthwaite Associates of...
OSHA is about to overhaul several outdated regulations and align some of its standards with those administered by other agencies. The rule, which will soon be published in the Federal Register, is expected to save employers $43 million and significantly reduce time spent processing paperwork by 1.85 million hours annually. It will become effective on July...
We receive a lot of questions about lead apron disposal, specifically “How do I dispose of my “lead apron” or “dental lead foil”? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA), lead is a highly toxic metal that can cause severe health effects if ingested, especially in children younger than 6 years old. The effects can...
According to OSHA and NIOSH, animal handlers, including veterinarians and veterinary technicians, have an increased risk of developing occupational asthma from exposure to allergens such as animal dander, scales, fur, body wastes, and saliva. Animal-related asthma and allergies are exaggerated reactions of the body’s immune system to animal proteins. The body responds with symptoms such...
