The Compliance Insider 

The HIPAA Privacy Rule protects most "individually identifiable health information" held or transmitted by a covered entity or its business associate, in any form or medium, whether electronic, on paper, or oral. The... Continue Reading

Now that the presidential election is finally over, healthcare reform and the HITECH electronic health records incentive program look like they're here to stay. But there's still a big uncertainty lingering: A... Continue Reading

The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)), revised this year, requires that the chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) (formerly MSDSs or Material Safety... Continue Reading

An important lesson in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy is the need to beef up contingency plans, including making sure staff members are cross-trained. "Practices in New York and Jersey affected by the storm found... Continue Reading

The answer to this question offers some interesting information on blood exposure to the eyes. Q: Are emergency eyewash stations required for blood exposures to the eyes? A: There is a fine technical debate... Continue Reading

Many Accountable Care Organizations have formed across the nation in the past year. Though the ACO model is still developing, one thing is certain: Organizations need to be prepared financially for the new healthcare... Continue Reading

Although your OSHA training is required annually, here is a question that many practices may have: Q: Does our annual OSHA training have to happen exactly one year to the day later? We are low-staffed right now and... Continue Reading

Q: When OSHA insists on the use of safety needles and scalpels, isn't it overstepping its authority by telling doctors how to practice medicine? A: That's not how the agency sees things. With regard to the use of... Continue Reading

Major U.S. healthcare data breaches have surpassed a significant milestone: More than 500 breaches have been confirmed since September 2009, when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services began keeping tabs.... Continue Reading

CMS did not meet several Recovery Act requirements in reporting 14 breaches of PHI, according to an OIG report. CMS reported that it had 14 breaches of PHI requiring notification under the Recovery Act between... Continue Reading