From the Desk of Matt Fisher – ICYMI
By Matt Fisher, Esq
Twitter: @matt_r_fisher
Host of Healthcare de Jure – #HCdeJure
Tune in weekdays at 2pm, 10pm or 6am ET as Matt serves up the hottest healthcare issues of the day, all from a legal point of view. From public policies and Federal initiatives to privacy and security, join host Matt R. Fisher as he and his guests discuss a smorgasbord of topics, giving hospitals, physicians, vendors and patients a seat at the table. Matt’s virtual conversations can be listened to on demand or heard on air. So don’t miss a minute of what’s on the menu.
ICYMI, read the latest of Matt’s blogs. And don’t forget to join the conversation with Matt on #HCdeJure.
HIPAA Right of Access Goes to the Dentist
Covered entities as defined by HIPAA come in various types and shapes. It is not just a physician’s office or a hospital. Any entity that provides healthcare services and bills insurance (very gross oversimplification) can and likely does qualify as a covered entity. That is why digital health companies and dental practices are also covered entities. When a practice is a covered entity, then it must follow and live up to the requirements set out in the regulations implementing HIPAA. As an ongoing string of settlements from the Office of Civil Rights shows, one of the bigger areas of concern is giving individuals timely and appropriate access to their records. Continue reading on HealthIT Answers.
Long Trail for Extra Tissue Samples
In healthcare, many layers always exist around seemingly each and every issue. The ongoing utilization of extra blood from newborn heel stick samples provides the latest example. The concerns raised go to privacy and informed consent as the primary issues. The heel stick provides a good way to dive into when good services results in unexpected consequences. Continue reading on HealthIT Answers.
Garbage Can Cause HIPAA Issues
Throwing out the trash is an everyday occurrence whether in personal or business life. However, when it comes to healthcare organizations, it is necessary to think about what trash goes where. The consideration goes beyond the difference between regular waste and hazardous medical waste. Specifically, how should trash that has patient information printed on it be thrown away? Continue reading on HealthIT Answers.
Equity in Virtual Care
The integration of virtual care into the delivery of healthcare is opening new doors for access and patient interactions. While that statement is true, it may not be universally true. Some patient populations, especially populations with disabilities or limited English proficiency, may not be able to experience the same benefits. Working to enable access for all patients should be a focus for both the developers of the virtual care tools as well as the clinicians utilizing the tools. The developments may occur both independently and optimistically in a collaborative manner. Continue reading on HealthIT Answers.
Enhancing Human Connections in Healthcare
So often, healthcare is about the personal connection established between a patient and a physician, another clinician, or general members of the care team. At least, that is what the ideal scenario may look like, leaving aside the current realities of insufficient time, interferences, and other issues demanding attention. If healthcare should be about personal connection though, how can that be better promoted? Given evolving expectations and considerations about how to create that connection, enabling and implementing a strong combination of the human touch and technology touch is essential. Continue reading on HealthIT Answers.
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