Archive for February 2017
HIPAA Data Breach Deadline Fast Approaching
Last week, we wrote about the increasing number of healthcare-related data breaches and how important it is for providers to find better ways to protect their patients’ personal healthcare information. In just a few days – on March 1 – HIPAA-covered entities must submit reports of certain breaches of unsecured protected health information affecting fewer…
Read MoreHIPAA Compliance in 2017: The Heat is on
The doctor-patient relationship has always involved a certain level of privacy. But over the years, the stakes for healthcare providers who violate patient privacy have increased exponentially. Barely two months into 2017 and already we are seeing increased activity. A newly released report from Protenus in conjunction with databreaches.net, January saw 31 healthcare data breaches…
Read MoreCase of 79-year-old Doctor Illustrates Need for Caution When Accepting Payments
The federal trial of a 79-year-old New Jersey physician charged in connection with a healthcare kickback scheme serves as yet another example of federal prosecutors’ aggressive stance against healthcare fraud and abuse. Dr. Bernard Greenspan is the latest physician to find himself facing jail time. He was among more than 40 people, many of them…
Read MoreNew Rule Makes it Easier to Share Substance Abuse Information While Protecting Privacy
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently finalized changes to federal regulations relating to the confidentiality of substance-use disorder patient records. Published in the Federal Register on January 18, the rule makes it easier to share the medical history of patients undergoing substance abuse treatment in federally funded drug and alcohol treatment programs,…
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