The 2021 HIPAA Breach reporting deadline is less than a month away. Which means any breaches involving 500 individuals or less must be reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) no later than Monday, March 1, 2021. What is a Data Breach? A data breach is considered the impermissible use or...
Many of us were pleased to say goodbye 2020. As we look ahead to a new year, it is important to keep in mind that while OSHA and HIPAA training are still required, virtual options are available. Below are several things to consider as your organization plans for training in 2021: OSHA and HIPAA Training:...
Crimes of opportunity have been increasing during the COVID-19 pandemic, and cybercrime is no exception. The FBI recently reported that cyberattacks have increased to as much as 4,000 more per day, representing a 400% increase from pre-coronavirus numbers. Cybercriminals are using phishing attacks, spam, and ransomware to send fraudulent emails regarding COVID-19 as bait. They...
Coronavirus cybersecurity threats are on the rise. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only infected the entire globe with a health crisis like never seen before. It has changed our lives, families, businesses, work and our security. It has brought about new risks and challenges in the workplace, with cyberspace being no exception. Amid this worldwide...
Remote employees stay HIPAA compliant during COVID-19 by adapting to new protocols and technologies that ensure the confidentiality and security of patient information. As the pandemic has shifted much of the healthcare sector to telework, organizations have had to implement rigorous cybersecurity measures and comprehensive training to meet HIPAA standards remotely. These measures include secure...
Recently, there has been some confusion on whether or not the utilization of personal health information (PHI) to contact patients who have recovered from COVID-19 to provide them with information about donating blood and plasma donations would be permitted under the HIPAA Privacy Rule. The answer is yes, under certain circumstances. Healthcare providers are permitted to...
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued guidance and clarity regarding disclosures of protected health information (PHI) during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic. Under HIPAA law, a covered entity is allowed to disclose the protected health information (PHI) of an individual infected with, or exposed to, COVID-19,...
Medical practice social distancing has become a crucial aspect of healthcare management in response to public health guidelines. By implementing strategic measures to maintain physical distance between patients and healthcare staff, medical facilities can significantly reduce the risk of viral transmission while continuing to provide essential services. This approach involves reconfiguring waiting areas, scheduling appointments...
COVID-19 questions have prompted medical practices to critically evaluate and enhance their safety protocols to protect both staff and patients during the pandemic. Adhering to recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), medical facilities are implementing comprehensive strategies to reduce the risk of virus transmission. This includes enforcing source control measures, ensuring...
Many private medical practices have re-opened since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and are adhering to the safety guidance set forth by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), OSHA, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In addition to these guidelines, below are some COVID-19 safety recommendations for medical practices providing patient care...
