Question: One of our physicians took patient charts to the hospital. Two of those charts were lost. They contained personal information such as Social Security numbers as well as the clinical notes. What information should I send to the patients? (Submitted by a New York manager – name withheld by request.) Answer: Respond first with common sense, advises health … [Read more...] about HIPAA and records hiding somewhere in the hospital
Compliance
Fear in termination: the sympathetic plaintiff
By Steve M. Cohen bio I recently saw a story about an employee who was terminated by her (small-business) employer. This employee had numerous experiences of personal tragedy in her family. In the previous year, she had lost one of her parents, another relative passed away, and then her son developed kidney failure. She found out that she was a viable donor and … [Read more...] about Fear in termination: the sympathetic plaintiff
Patient self-scheduling offers advantages for busy medical practices
Demand for greater convenience will change the way patients schedule appointments in the near future. Approximately two-in-three patients (64 percent) are expected to book medical appointments online by the end of 2019, according to research conducted by Accenture, a global management consulting, technology services, and outsourcing company. "Just as consumers use online … [Read more...] about Patient self-scheduling offers advantages for busy medical practices
The ADA and mental illness, medications, suicide, alcoholism, and threats
Mental disorders, threats of suicide, medication side effects, addiction—they create some confusing issues with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Here are some points managers need to know about the ADA and disciplining, firing, and hiring staff who come under these umbrellas. They are outlined by employment law attorney Myra K. Creighton of Fisher & Phillips in … [Read more...] about The ADA and mental illness, medications, suicide, alcoholism, and threats
OSHA addresses employer responsibility regarding transgender workers
The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration released a guideline June 1, 2015 addressing workplace restrooms and access for transgender workers. The "Guide to Restroom Access for Transgender Workers" (Guide) addresses an employer's responsibility under OSHA standards to provide transgender workers access to sanitary toilet facilities. "The … [Read more...] about OSHA addresses employer responsibility regarding transgender workers
Telemedicine: staying current amid ongoing changes
The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) defines telemedicine, also known as telehealth, as the remote delivery of healthcare services and clinical information using telecommunications technology. This includes a wide array of clinical services using Internet, wireless, satellite, and telephone media. Although telemedicine is often associated with remote consultations, … [Read more...] about Telemedicine: staying current amid ongoing changes
New compliance guidance for organizations helpful for medical offices
On April 20, 2015, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a compliance guidance document designed to help boards of directors at health care organizations make sure management is effective in implementing compliance programs. While the document is intended for boards of directors, the suggestions and tips for improving … [Read more...] about New compliance guidance for organizations helpful for medical offices
Model Tool: Employee confidentiality agreement
Why you need this model tool: Medical office staff have access to a wide range of confidential information, including but not limited to patient records. How this model tool helps you: This tool allows you to highlight the importance of confidentiality, and to obtain a staff member's signature acknowledging that she/he understands the repercussions of not maintaining … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Employee confidentiality agreement
The 1099 trap: why your independent contractors might be employees in disguise
By Paul Edwards bio To quote Shakespeare (kind of): "An employee by any other name is still an employee to the IRS and the Department of Labor." If your office employs independent contractors, it pays to make sure they aren't really employees that you've inadvertently misclassified. Classification mistakes can trigger a painful audit of your practice and a hefty … [Read more...] about The 1099 trap: why your independent contractors might be employees in disguise
What are the rights of transgender employees?
By Steve M. Cohen bio I'm disappointed, but not surprised by many reactions to Caitlyn (formerly Bruce) Jenner's recent revelation. I am not transgender, but I am concentrating on this population because, along with others, I see the transgender population as representing the next frontier in social justice. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but in the … [Read more...] about What are the rights of transgender employees?