What is the HIPAA Safe Harbor Act? The HIPAA Safe Harbor Act was signed into law by President Trump on January 5, 2021. The law states that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must consider whether organizations have utilized best practices for cybersecurity when investigating a data breach and undertaking HIPAA enforcement actions....
Navigating the intersection of social media and HIPAA is crucial for healthcare professionals aiming to maintain compliance while engaging online. This complex area requires understanding specific guidelines that govern the sharing of patient information and the use of social platforms. As social media becomes increasingly integral to communication and marketing strategies, healthcare entities must ensure...
Understanding and reporting HIPAA violations is essential for maintaining the integrity of patient privacy and the security of health information. Healthcare providers, administrators, and staff must be vigilant and knowledgeable about what constitutes a violation and the proper steps to report such incidents. This not only helps in adhering to legal requirements but also reinforces...
Workplace violence in healthcare is a serious issue that has become increasingly worse over the past decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that injuries from violent attacks against medical professionals grew by 63% from 2011 to 2018. The COVID-19 pandemic has also placed significant stress on the healthcare system, and the aggression against medical staff has...
Patients are incredibly concerned about healthcare data privacy, and rightly so. Healthcare data breaches have hit record numbers, and according to the U.S. government, in the last five months of 2022, breaches have almost doubled from the same period previous year. With nearly 20 million victims of data theft in the first half of the year, it...
A robust healthcare compliance program is fundamental to ensuring that healthcare organizations operate within the bounds of regulatory requirements while maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct. These programs are designed to prevent, detect, and respond to violations of laws, regulations, and company policies. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, particularly in terms of...
In today’s digital age, HIPAA compliant telehealth solutions are critical for providing secure and private healthcare services remotely. These telehealth systems are meticulously designed to ensure that all communications and data transfers adhere to HIPAA regulations, safeguarding patient information against unauthorized access and breaches. With the rise of virtual consultations, it’s essential for healthcare providers...
Texting is a convenient and reliable way for healthcare organizations and providers to communicate with their patients. It is ideal for keeping up with appointments, reminders, payments, and other practice communications. While most people, including patients, prefer texting because it’s quick and easy, providers and their staff must comply with the Health Insurance Portability and...
Each year, the National Safety Council (NSC) designates June as National Safety Month to help bring awareness to the importance of ensuring safety in the workplace. This year, MedSafe is highlighting fall prevention and tips for reducing falls in the workplace. Slips, trips and falls are among the leading causes of workplace injuries and death....
Recognizing the HIPAA importance is critical for all healthcare professionals and organizations. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) provides the foundational framework for protecting sensitive patient information from unauthorized access and breaches. Compliance with HIPAA regulations is not just about fulfilling legal obligations; it also plays a pivotal role in maintaining patient trust...
