The Compliance Insider 

Which is more effective: alcohol-based gels and hand rubs, or disinfectant alcohol-based wipes? Researchers at Special Pathogens Laboratory in Pittsburgh, PA, wanted to figure out just that. Their study found... Continue Reading

Q. Is a power of attorney still effective after a patient's death? I was told that a woman whose husband died was not allowed to get a copy of his medical record. She had his power of attorney, but the hospital told... Continue Reading

As 2012 begins, it is important to keep your focus on compliance with Version 5010 and begin to plan for the transition to ICD-10. The Version 5010 deadline was on January 1, 2012; however, because of the 90-day... Continue Reading

Q: May we use the non-safety needles that come with pre-filled vaccine syringes provided by the pharmaceutical company without violating OSHA standards? A: No. Manufacturer-supplied pre-filled syringes... Continue Reading

Employment law attorneys aren't allowed to just say "document." They always say "document, document, document," and there's a good reason for using those famous three words because documentation is that... Continue Reading

Some healthcare organizations are using social networks (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), some not, but either way it is a good bet your employees are using these sites to connect with and expand their social... Continue Reading

If you have a lab at your office, you must provide protective clothing, and face and eye protection. You must equip your employees with protective items appropriate for the risks inherent in all tasks they... Continue Reading

Q: We have had an employee request leave to care for an adult daughter who is pregnant. Is this leave covered by the FMLA? What if an employee wants to take time off to provide childcare for the adult daughter's... Continue Reading

OSHA might be looking closely at more dental practices as a result of the announcement to study bloodborne pathogens compliance in dental practices. The Organization for Safety, Asepsis, and Prevention (OSAP)... Continue Reading

Q. A large specialty medical group with a nonprofit research foundation allows the foundation to use its patient database for its annual giving campaign mailing. Does this practice violate HIPAA? A. This is... Continue Reading