Healthcare Compliance Journal

CentroMed Encounters Another Cyberattack The healthcare provider El Centro Del Barrio based in San Antonio, TX, which is also known as CentroMed, has reported that it encountered a cyberattack. This is CentroMed's second cyberattack and data breach since last year.…

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…

The Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and state attorneys general are responsible for issuing HIPAA violation fines. HIPAA sets standards for the protection of sensitive patient data, and failure to comply can lead to…

Service Access & Management, Inc. (SAM) is a case management service provider for youngsters and families in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The organization employs more than 600 people and generates approximately $68 million in annual revenue. Recently, SAM sent notifications…

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)…

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, 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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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'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…

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…

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…

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, 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…