HIPAA News and HIPAA Articles

Healthcare Compliance News

Apria Healthcare Faces Data Breach Lawsuit and Tennessee Orthopaedic Clinics Lawsuit Settled

Posted on 21st March 2024

Apria Healthcare Faces Lawsuit for HIPAA Violations Apria Healthcare is facing a lawsuit filed by Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita for alleged violations of state legislation and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in association with a cyberattack…

What are healthcare compliance audits?

Posted on 5th January 2024

Healthcare compliance audits are systematic evaluations conducted by regulatory bodies or internal teams to assess whether healthcare organizations adhere to established laws, regulations, and industry standards, ensuring that proper protocols and safeguards are in place to protect patient data, maintain…

Why is compliance important in healthcare?

Posted on 2nd January 2024

Compliance in healthcare is important as it ensures that healthcare providers adhere to established regulations and standards, promoting patient safety, data security, and the delivery of high-quality care, while also mitigating legal and financial risks associated with non-compliance. Healthcare compliance…

HIPAA Compliance News

Enhanced FTC Regulations Target Privacy in Digital Health Apps

Posted on 27th April 2024

In a move to strengthen consumer protection and enhance transparency, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized revisions to its Health Breach Notification Rule (HBNR), targeting digital health applications that handle sensitive personal health information. These changes are designed to…

Cyberattacks Reported by SysInformation Healthcare Services and Jackson Medical Center

Posted on 24th April 2024

Cyberattack on SysInformation Healthcare Services SysInformation Healthcare Services (SysInformation) based in Austin, TX, also known as EqualizeRCM and 1st Credentialing, provides revenue cycle assistance to medical billing providers and hospitals. It encountered a cyberattack that resulted in a network breakdown.…

Research Reveals 96% of Hospitals Continue to Use Website Tracking Codes

Posted on 18th April 2024

An investigation of the websites belonging to non-government acute care U.S. hospitals has shown that 96% of the websites employ tracking codes that disclose user information to third parties like Google, Meta, Snapchat, or LinkedIn. In December 2022, The Department…

HITECH Act Compliance

What are the Goals of the HITECH Act?

Posted on 4th December 2023

The goals of the HITECH Act are to promote the adoption and meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs) to improve healthcare quality, efficiency, and patient safety, while also addressing privacy and security concerns associated with electronic health information exchange. The…

What does HITECH mean in medical terms?

Posted on 1st December 2023

In medical terms, HITECH, which stands for Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health, refers to a set of regulations and initiatives introduced in the United States to promote the adoption and meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs)…

How did HITECH strengthen HIPAA?

Posted on 30th November 2023

HITECH strengthened HIPAA by introducing provisions that required the implementation of electronic health records, increased penalties for non-compliance, established breach notification requirements, and promoted the adoption of advanced security measures to safeguard protected health information, resulting in an enhanced overall…

Texas HB-300 News

Texas HB 300 Patient Rights

Posted on 22nd November 2023

Texas House Bill 300, also known as the Texas Medical Records Privacy Act, outlines and safeguards the rights of patients in the state by providing them with the authority to access and control their medical records, ensuring the confidentiality and…

Texas HB 300 Requirements for Healthcare Providers

Posted on 19th November 2023

Texas HB 300, also known as the Texas Medical Records Privacy Act, imposes strict requirements on healthcare providers operating in the state, mandating safeguards for protected health information, including the implementation of privacy policies, employee training programs, and security measures…

Data Breach Notification Best Practices in Texas HB 300 Compliance

Posted on 7th November 2023

To comply with Texas HB 300, organizations handling sensitive personal information are advised to adhere to data breach notification best practices, including promptly investigating and identifying security incidents, notifying affected individuals and relevant authorities in a timely manner, providing detailed…

OSHA Compliance News

What are the Penalties for Non-Compliance with OSHA Regulations?

Posted on 25th November 2023

Non-compliance with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations can result in penalties for employers, including monetary fines, citations, increased scrutiny, potential legal action, and in extreme cases, temporary or permanent shutdown of the workplace, emphasizing the importance of adhering…

What are OSHA violation cases in healthcare?

Posted on 15th November 2023

In healthcare, OSHA violation cases may involve issues such as inadequate training on infectious disease control, improper handling and disposal of biohazardous materials, failure to provide and use personal protective equipment, lack of proper ergonomic measures to prevent musculoskeletal injuries,…

What are the benefits of OSHA compliance?

Posted on 25th October 2023

OSHA compliance ensures a safer and healthier workplace environment by reducing occupational hazards, preventing accidents and injuries, promoting employee well-being, minimizing legal risks and associated costs, enhancing overall organizational efficiency, and promoting a positive corporate image. Occupational Safety and Health…

Healthcare Vendor News

Precision Neuroscience Sets Precedent With Successful First-In-Human Trial Using Brain Implant Technology

Posted on 7th June 2023

In a landmark clinical trial, Precision Neuroscience’s brain implant has successfully mapped electrical brain activity, marking the first time such electrode technology has been utilized in human trials. The device, with over 1,000 electrodes on a square centimeter flexible film…

Revolutionary Vortex Ultrasound Breakthrough In Brain Blood Clot Clearance

Posted on 10th February 2023

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of brain blood clot clearance with the development of a new tool and technique utilizing vortex ultrasound. The revolutionary approach uses ultrasonic waves in the form of a "tornado" to effectively…

Low-Cost Sensing Glove Aims To Prevent Stillbirths And Maternal Deaths In Low-Resource Regions

Posted on 8th February 2023

A new study published in Frontiers in Global Women's Health has unveiled a remarkable development in enhancing the safety of pregnancy. The low-cost sensing glove, priced at only $1, was created to support healthcare staff in identifying fetal position and…

Digital Health News

Enhanced FTC Regulations Target Privacy in Digital Health Apps

Posted on 27th April 2024

In a move to strengthen consumer protection and enhance transparency, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized revisions to its Health Breach Notification Rule (HBNR), targeting digital health applications that handle sensitive personal health information. These changes are designed to…

Blue Shield of California Advancing Healthcare with Rollout of Digital MSK Pain Treatment

Posted on 24th April 2024

Blue Shield of California's recent rollout of its digital musculoskeletal (MSK) pain treatment programs on the Wellvolution platform signifies an expansion of its healthcare services aimed at addressing a wide range of MSK conditions that affect nearly half of the…

FDA Invests in Virtual Reality Hub to Enhance Development of At-Home Medical Devices

Posted on 24th April 2024

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking steps toward redefining at-home healthcare with the establishment of the "Home as a Health Care Hub." This initiative, backed by a $1.2 million investment in a partnership with Dallas-based architectural firm HKS…

Healthcare Regulation News

Attorneys General Champion Increased Patient Privacy in Reproductive Healthcare

Posted on 17th June 2023

In a significant development in the realm of patient privacy rights, a group of 24 attorneys general, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, submitted a comment letter on June 16, endorsing expanded…

A Bid To Secure Rural Healthcare: Senate Advances Cybersecurity Enhancement Act

Posted on 15th June 2023

In a significant move to enhance cybersecurity in rural hospitals, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has advanced the Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act. Rural hospitals, often seen as soft targets due to a dearth of skilled cybersecurity…

AHA Calls For OCR’s Reevaluation Of Online Tracking Guidance Amid Privacy Concerns

Posted on 23rd May 2023

The American Hospital Association (AHA), a prominent body representing an array of nearly 5,000 healthcare organizations, hospitals, health systems, affiliated physicians, nurses, and caregivers, has recently penned a significant letter to Melanie Fontes Rainer, the Director of the Office of…

Healthcare Cybersecurity News

Survey Reveals Alarming Trends in Healthcare Cybersecurity

Posted on 26th March 2024

A new report published by Censinet, KLAS Research, the American Hospital Association, Health-IASAC, and the Healthcare and Public Health Sector Coordinating Council has revealed insights into the current state of cybersecurity preparedness within the healthcare sector. The report, compiled through…

Survey Finds Virtual Care Adoption Reaches 76% Among Respondents in 2023

Posted on 25th March 2024

A recent survey conducted by Rock Health, titled "The New Era of Consumer Engagement: Insights from Rock Health’s Ninth Annual Consumer Adoption Survey," has revealed insights into consumers attitudes towards health data-sharing. Focused on 2023, the survey reflects the transformative…

Petersen Health Care Declares Bankruptcy After Ransomware Attacks

Posted on 21st March 2024

Petersen Health Care, recognized as a leading operator of nursing homes in the United States, has filed for bankruptcy protection following a series of cyberattacks and defaults on government-backed loans. Headquartered in Peoria, Illinois, the company includes an expansive network…