HIPAA isn’t the only privacy, security, and breach notification law in the country. In fact, HIPAA is designed to work with state laws, and in cases where state laws are stricter or prescribe a higher level of privacy or security, HIPAA explicitly directs covered entities and business associates to follow state law. A covered entity or business associate that isn’t in compliance with state privacy, security, and breach notification laws is not in compliance with HIPAA, and is at risk of both federal and state action.
Case managers may not be physicians, but they are still integral to the quality of patient care. Regardless of whether a case manager’s role includes clinical or medical case management, utilization review, discharge planning, or a combination of these and more, if the case manager can advocate for the patient during the medical encounter, he or she can influence good clinical care, says Jackie Birmingham, RN, MS, clinical leadership at naviHealth: A Cardinal Health Company, headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, and author of Discharge Planning Guide: Tools for Compliance, Fourth Edition.
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced its seventh HIPAA violation settlement of 2017, putting the agency well on its way to topping last year’s record-setting number of HIPAA settlements.
Overcoming barriers to care for LGBT individuals can require a culture shift at an organization, but it can be as simple as adding additional options to forms. It’s up to organizations to close the gap, and HIM plays a central role in identifying barriers, implementing change, and fostering a culturally competent environment.
This week’s Medicare updates include a MIPS Participation Status Letter, FY 2018 proposed rules for skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and more!
