Podcasts about first healthcare compliance

In this episode of 1st Talk Compliance, Kevin Chmura is joined by Rachel Rose, JD, MBA, to discuss the HIPAA Privacy Rule to Support Reproductive Healthcare Privacy, passed in 2024. With the reproductive healthcare landscape being very dynamic, this new rule has already passed one compliance date, with a second important date coming in February 2026. Tune in to learn about this new rule, and what it means in terms of reproductive health, patient privacy, and the legality between different states. In addition, learn some best practices for implementing the requirements of this rule into your practice. Kevin Chmura Rachel, thank you for joining us. Appreciate you joining us and looking forward to a timely discussion.   Rachel V. Rose Thank you, Kevin, for having me, as well as to Panacea and First Healthcare Compliance, it's always my pleasure to coordinate and converse with you on our favorite healthcare compliance topics.   Kevin Chmura And it's always great having you helping us with this and your expertise is invaluable. And you helped us and were the contributor, really writer, of an e-book on this particular subject that will be released very soon. Really this podcast is somewhat of a companion piece to that. And so what we're talking about today is the HIPAA privacy rule to support reproductive health care privacy, passed in 2024. Reproductive health is a prominent and evolving topic within the healthcare policy landscape. It really, major changes have come down in recent years, and so there's just a ton. So we thought it would be great to publish a book to get everybody up to speed and, but moreover, this podcast is an opportunity for people to hear directly from the person who helped us develop that. And that is Rachel. So, Rachel, I wonder, can you just start off by giving us a synopsis of the 2024 Final Rule, maybe some key terms we should be thinking about?   Rachel V. Rose Sure. As you mentioned, Kevin, the reproductive healthcare landscape is very dynamic and the rule itself was issued on April 22nd of 2024 with an effective date of June 25th of 2024. And basically what an effective date does is to start the clock running as to when certain requirements need to be implemented. In this particular rule, which I will refer to as the HIPAA Reproductive Rule, has two prongs of compliance dates. The first already passed and that had to be done by December 23rd, 2024. And for your clients who were with First Healthcare Compliance or Panacea at the time, they were able to access FAQs. And the first prong of the requirements really addressed every applicable item that I'll run through, with the exception of the notice of privacy practices. Now, for anyone who's been in the healthcare sector for a long time, and for anyone who goes to the doctor, a dentist or even a pharmacy to pick something up, we all know we have to sign the HIPAA authorization form, and then covered entities are required to post their notice of privacy practices. So the updated privacy practices, which need to include some of the reproductive health requirements among other items, does not need to be done until February 16 of 2026. So this is similar to the staggering of the compliance dates which we saw with the Final OmnibusRrule, which was published in the Federal Register, it's hard to believe, but going on over 12 years ago and that was January 25th of 2013. Now specifically, the HIPAA reproductive rule really prohibits the disclosure of protected health information related to in these terms I need you to focus on: lawful reproductive health care in certain circumstances. And the reason it's important is because legal means that whatever service or good is being sought, it has to be legal within the jurisdiction where the individual is receiving that care or that good, so to speak. And so if we want to take certain types of surgeries or certain types of procedures that in a viable fetus's lif...

1st Talk Compliance features guest Raymond Ribble, CEO and Founder at SPHER, Inc., on the topic of A Practical Approach to The Safe Harbor Law. Ray joins our host Catherine Short to discuss how HIPAA data breach penalties typically get measured in millions of dollars, even following an organization implementing NIST cybersecurity framework measures. However, with the new HIPAA Safe Harbor Law, signed in January 2021, HHS and OCR may consider some penalty mitigation. It is important to understand that the Safe Harbor Law, while offering substantial protection, does not provide a true safe harbor and only offers some protection. This episode will examine what the established security practices for healthcare are, and how to pivot your organization's security profile to mitigate breach penalties if an event occurs. Catherine Short 0:01 Welcome, and let's, 1st Talk Compliance. I'm Catherine Short, Marketing Manager for First Healthcare Compliance, a division of Panacea Healthcare Solutions. Thanks for tuning in. This show is brought to you by First Healthcare Compliance as part of our commitment to provide high quality complimentary educational resources. Please show your support by taking a moment to provide a review on Google, Facebook, or iTunes, and be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our YouTube channel. On today's episode, we are speaking with Raymond Ribble, CEO and Founder at SPHER Inc, on the topic of A Practical Approach to The Safe Harbor Law. HIPAA data breach penalties typically get measured in millions of dollars even following an organization implementing NIST cybersecurity framework measures. However, with the new HIPAA Safe Harbor Law signed in January 2021, HHS and OCR may consider some penalty mitigation, it is important to understand that the Safe Harbor Law while offering substantial protection does not provide a true Safe Harbor and only offers some protection. This episode will examine what the established security practices for healthcare are, and how to pivot your organization's security profile to mitigate breach penalties if an event occurs.   Catherine Short 1:39 So Ray, thank you so much for joining me on 1st Talk Compliance. It's a pleasure to have you on.   Raymond Ribble 1:42 Thank you for having me, I appreciate it.   Catherine Short 1:43 Again, I'm so happy you're here today. Today we're discussing about the Safe Harbor Law and we're going to be talking about a practical approach. For people who are new to this, can you give us a good background or a brief description about what we are going to be discussing as far as some compliance background? Or how we got here as far as I know that HIPAA has a Safe Harbor Law? And I know that that affects how people need to protect their health data and their data in general. Can you give us a little bit of background of what we should be protecting and what we should be careful of and what we should be discussing?   Raymond Ribble 2:27 Sure. For our listeners, I'll try to give you the cliff note version of what it is. What I wanted to do for everybody who's listening today is just give you a brief introduction to what is the Safe Harbor Law. I don't want you to become experts on the Safe Harbor Law, I don't want you to be able to click off the five things that it does. That's not the background. It's just that some well thought politicians in both the Senate and the House got together and said, Hey, look, we've provided all this money to help these medical institutions move from paper to digital. In doing so, we've exposed them to a brand new set of risks in terms of data breaches that can occur that didn't exist before. And now we're asking them to spend more money to implement policies and procedures and potentially technology solutions in order to protect that digital data. So that's the first part of it. And they said look, for the organizations that embrace these ideas that go the ex...

Posted by Adam Turteltaub If you have ever considered joining the Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA) but haven't, this podcast will give you cause to reconsider. Julie Sheppard, Founder and President of First Healthcare Compliance joined the association a decade ago when she was looking for a reliable source of information on healthcare compliance issues.  She wanted an unbiased, trusted source of information that would keep her updated on the challenges of managing compliance. Through the years she has taken advantage of a wide range of HCCA programs, from an Academy to web conferences to reading the magazine Compliance Today. She also obtained her Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) designation, which she sees as a means to differentiate herself and demonstrate her expertise. Listen in to learn more about her journey with HCCA and how she sees healthcare compliance evolving over the next few years.

First Healthcare Compliance hosts C. Trey Scott, Coordinating Attorney at Kennedy, Attorneys & Counselors at Law, for an interactive discussion on “Under Pressure: Reporting Requirements with OCR for Breaches.” Attendees will learn the reporting requirements for a data breach of a healthcare provider.

First Healthcare Compliance hosts C. Trey Scott, Coordinating Attorney at Kennedy, Attorneys & Counselors at Law, for an interactive discussion on “Under Pressure: Reporting Requirements with OCR for Breaches.” Attendees will learn the reporting requirements for a data breach of a healthcare provider. The post Reporting Requirements with OCR for Breaches: Audio Version of the Webinar appeared first on First Healthcare Compliance.

Catherine Short converses with Rachel V. Rose, JD, MBA, principal with Rachel V. Rose – Attorney at Law, P.L.L.C., Houston, TX and Bruce J. Lynskey, Co-Founder at ePrevenir, on the topic of “Negotiations in Healthcare and Technology.” Negotiating occurs in every facet of business and law. From contractual negotiations through settlement negotiations, it is a delicate dance. There are a variety of classic negotiation techniques, which include extreme posturing and “anchoring”. Healthcare and cybersecurity present unique challenges because of the looming exposure to a government investigation and either a civil and/or criminal action, even if a settlement is reached between two private parties. Here we will discuss approaches when negotiating contracts, settlements, and other items, which arise in healthcare and the cybersecurity industries. The post Healthcare and Technology Negotiations appeared first on First Healthcare Compliance.

First Healthcare Compliance hosts Catherine Walters, Esq., Partner at BYBEL RUTLEDGE LLP a management-side labor and employment attorney representing employers of all sizes, for an interactive discussion on “Employment and Labor Law Round-up With 2022 Forecast and Other HOT Topics.” During 2021 as the COVID pandemic raged on and the new Administration faced unprecedented challenges, extensive changes occurred in the employment and labor law landscape, and even more extensive changes are anticipated for 2022.  This program will provide a quick update of 2021's most important developments and forecast what employers can expect in 2022.  Attend this program to catch up on the Biden Administration's progress on its labor agenda, relevant Supreme Court decisions and how they affect employers, DOL agency activities, issues to worry about in 2022 and other hot topics, including OSHA, vaccination rules/policies, wage and hour issues, remote workplace tips, cannabis, restrictive covenants, to name a few.  

First Healthcare Compliance hosts Catherine Walters, Esq., Partner at BYBEL RUTLEDGE LLP a management-side labor and employment attorney representing employers of all sizes, for an interactive discussion on “Employment and Labor Law Round-up With 2022 Forecast and Other HOT Topics.” During 2021 as the COVID pandemic raged on and the new Administration faced unprecedented challenges, extensive changes occurred in the employment and labor law landscape, and even more extensive changes are anticipated for 2022.  This program will provide a quick update of 2021's most important developments and forecast what employers can expect in 2022.  Attend this program to catch up on the Biden Administration's progress on its labor agenda, relevant Supreme Court decisions and how they affect employers, DOL agency activities, issues to worry about in 2022 and other hot topics, including OSHA, vaccination rules/policies, wage and hour issues, remote workplace tips, cannabis, restrictive covenants, to name a few.   The post 2022 Forecast of Employment and Labor With Other HOT Topics: Audio Version of the Webinar appeared first on First Healthcare Compliance.

Catherine Short speaks with Shauna Itri, Partner at Seeger Weiss LLP on the topic of “Fraud, Healthcare, COVID-19 and the False Claims Act.” A whistleblower or qui tam action can provide financial rewards to individuals who have information that a company/individual has committed fraud. The primary statutes under which this relief may be sought are the federal and state False Claims Acts (“FCAs”). In addition to the FCAs, there are other statutes which apply to tax fraud, securities fraud, and in California, fraud on private insurance companies. This episode will provide an overview of the False Claims Acts, the knowledge and skills to be able to recognize a potential whistleblower case, and understand the unique procedures utilized in filing whistleblower cases/tips. We will also delve into recent trends in cases brought (or that could be brought) under the False Claims Act including cases involving mined data and potential fraud related to COVID-19. The post Fraud, Healthcare, COVID-19 and the False Claims Act appeared first on First Healthcare Compliance.

John Shegerian, Co-Founder and Chairman/CEO of ERI and co-author of the cybersecurity book, "the Insecurity of Everything" will be presenting a talk about cybersecurity titled “The Insecurity of Everything: How Hardware Data Security is Becoming the Most Important Topic in the World” and will share some of the latest information about the very real problem of hardware hacking in the world of healthcare and beyond and how that issue became even more serious during the pandemic, with so many people working from home. He will also be explaining critical information for health-related businesses to help them keep their private data – and the data of their patients and customers – protected! The post Hardware Hacking Trends – The Insecurity of Everything: Audio Version of the Webinar appeared first on First Healthcare Compliance.

Rachel V. Rose, JD, MBA, principal with Rachel V. Rose – Attorney at Law, P.L.L.C., Houston, TX presents this very timely subject for us. Effective January 1, 2022, the No Surprises Act has implications for patients, providers, and insurance companies alike. The impetus behind the legislation, as well as the regulations, is to prevent patients from receiving bills for certain services that were performed or delivered by providers out of their plan's network. The scope is limited and providers and plans alike need to take steps to understand the appeal process when a payment or claim is challenged. The purpose of this presentation is to provide a brief overview of the evolution of the United States' healthcare system and its relevance to the No Surprises Act. From there, the No Surprises Act and regulations will be explained, along with the appeal process. Finally, compliance tips will round out the presentation. The post The No Surprises Act – What You Need to Know: Audio Version of the Webinar appeared first on First Healthcare Compliance.

Catherine Short speaks with Rachel V. Rose, JD, MBA, principal with Rachel V. Rose – Attorney at Law, P.L.L.C., Houston, TX, on the topic of “The No Surprises Act - What You Need to Know.” Effective January 1, 2022, the No Surprises Act has implications for patients, providers, and insurance companies alike. The impetus behind the legislation, as well as the regulations, is to prevent patients from receiving bills for certain services that were performed or delivered by providers out of their plan's network. The scope is limited and providers and plans alike need to take steps to understand the appeal process when a payment or claim is challenged. The purpose of this episode is to provide a brief overview of the evolution of the United States' healthcare system and its relevance to the No Surprises Act. From there, the No Surprises Act and regulations will be explained, along with the appeal process. Finally, compliance tips will round out the show. The post What You Need to Know about The No Surprises Act appeared first on First Healthcare Compliance.

Catherine Short speaks with Melody Mulaik, President of Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies, a dynamic company that works with physician practices, healthcare systems, billing companies and other industry stakeholders to provide auditing, education and other collaborative consulting solutions to meet their coding and compliance needs. First Healthcare Compliance is a proud partner of Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies and our clients have enjoyed many webinars and previous podcasts by this team of experts. Melody joins us to address a current hot topic, “AUC – Delayed but not Gone.” 2022 was scheduled to be the official implementation date for AUC/CDS implementation but the 2022 Proposed Rule threw everyone a little curve ball. While a delay has occurred, it does not change the direction of the program or the need to prepare and test.  As providers continue to either prepare their own practices or bridge the gap with imaging facilities, it is important that everyone be on the same page throughout the CMS implementation and remaining testing period.

Melody W. Mulaik, MSHS, FAHRA, CRA, RCC, RCC-IR, CPC, CPC-H is the President of Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies LLC and our esteemed presenter. 2022 was scheduled to be the the official implementation date for AUC/CDS implementation but the 2022 Proposed Rule threw everyone a little curve ball. While a delay will occur it does not change the direction of the program or the need to prepare and test. As providers continue to either prepare their own practices or bridge the gap with imaging facilities, it is important that everyone be on the same page throughout the CMS implementation and remaining testing period. The post AUC – Delayed but not Gone: Audio Version of the Webinar appeared first on First Healthcare Compliance.

Catherine Short speaks with Melody Mulaik, President of Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies, a dynamic company that works with physician practices, healthcare systems, billing companies and other industry stakeholders to provide auditing, education and other collaborative consulting solutions to meet their coding and compliance needs. First Healthcare Compliance is a proud partner of Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies and our clients have enjoyed many webinars and previous podcasts by this team of experts. Melody joins us to address a current hot topic, “AUC – Delayed but not Gone.” 2022 was scheduled to be the official implementation date for AUC/CDS implementation but the 2022 Proposed Rule threw everyone a little curve ball. While a delay has occurred, it does not change the direction of the program or the need to prepare and test.  As providers continue to either prepare their own practices or bridge the gap with imaging facilities, it is important that everyone be on the same page throughout the CMS implementation and remaining testing period. The post Appropriate Use Criteria – Delayed but Not Gone appeared first on First Healthcare Compliance.

First Healthcare Compliance hosts Sheba Vine, Attorney and Senior Manager in the Global Privacy Office at Exact Sciences Corporation, for an interactive discussion on “Recent Developments in Health Information Privacy: HIPAA Right of Access, NPRM, & Information Blocking.” This presentation will review recent developments including OCR Enforcement Highlights, HIPAA Right of Access & Ciox Health Decision, NPRM, and 21st Century Cures Act Information Blocking Regulation.

First Healthcare Compliance hosts Sheba Vine, Attorney and Senior Manager in the Global Privacy Office at Exact Sciences Corporation, for an interactive discussion on “Recent Developments in Health Information Privacy: HIPAA Right of Access, NPRM, & Information Blocking.” This presentation will review recent developments including OCR Enforcement Highlights, HIPAA Right of Access & Ciox Health Decision, NPRM, and 21st Century Cures Act Information Blocking Regulation. The post Recent Developments in Health Information Privacy: HIPAA Right of Access, NPRM, & Information Blocking: Audio Version of the Webinar appeared first on First Healthcare Compliance.

Catherine Short speaks with Sheba Vine, Attorney and Senior Manager in the Global Privacy Office at Exact Sciences Corporation, on the topic of “Recent Developments in Health Information Privacy: HIPAA Right of Access.” We will review recent developments including OCR Enforcement Highlights, HIPAA Right of Access & Ciox Health Decision, NPRM, and 21st Century Cures Act Information Blocking Regulation. The post Recent Developments in Health Information Privacy: HIPAA Right of Access appeared first on First Healthcare Compliance.

First Healthcare Compliance hosts William J McBorrough, co-Founder and Chief Security Advisor at MCGlobalTech, a Washington, D.C.-based Information Security Consulting Firm for an interactive discussion on “Combating Ransomware in Healthcare.” Ransomware attacks have impacted thousands of organizations worldwide. The healthcare sector has been the most targeted. Join in to discuss the state of ransomware in the healthcare sector in 2021 and best practices to prepare your organization from the inevitable attacks.

First Healthcare Compliance hosts William J McBorrough, co-Founder and Chief Security Advisor at MCGlobalTech, a Washington, D.C.-based Information Security Consulting Firm for an interactive discussion on “Combating Ransomware in Healthcare.” Ransomware attacks have impacted thousands of organizations worldwide. The healthcare sector has been the most targeted. Join in to discuss the state of ransomware in the healthcare sector in 2021 and best practices to prepare your organization from the inevitable attacks. The post Combating Ransomware in Healthcare: Audio Version of the Webinar appeared first on First Healthcare Compliance.

Rachel V. Rose, JD, MBA, principal with Rachel V. Rose – Attorney at Law, P.L.L.C., Houston, TX presents this highly informative webinar. A multitude of laws, including HIPAA, require that certain types of documents be kept for a certain period of time. How does document retention play out for public companies subject to SOX and... The post Document Retention & Destruction: Audio Version of Webinar appeared first on First Healthcare Compliance.

Catherine Short speaks with Rebecca L. Rakoski, managing partner at XPAN Law Partners and Saj Naseem, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) from NJ Courts on the topic of “Why Healthcare Organizations Need to Take a New Approach to Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Training.” On this episode, we will discuss how training, using traditional methods can cause greater liability and threats to an organization. The post Why Healthcare Organizations Need to Take a New Approach to Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Training appeared first on First Healthcare Compliance.

First Healthcare Compliance hosts Iliana L. Peters, Shareholder at Polsinelli PC, for an interactive discussion on “Recent Attacks on Data Security: The Stuff of Nightmares!” This presentation will include information on state law protections and expansions, thoughts regarding recent developments in cyber security issues like ransomware, and analysis of the greatest data privacy and security risks to companies in the current legal and regulatory environment.

First Healthcare Compliance hosts Iliana L. Peters, Shareholder at Polsinelli PC, for an interactive discussion on “Recent Attacks on Data Security: The Stuff of Nightmares!” This presentation will include information on state law protections and expansions, thoughts regarding recent developments in cyber security issues like ransomware, and analysis of the greatest data privacy and security risks to companies in the current legal and regulatory environment. The post Recent Attacks on Data Security: The Stuff of Nightmares! appeared first on First Healthcare Compliance.

Rachel V. Rose, JD, MBA, principal with Rachel V. Rose – Attorney at Law, P.L.L.C., Houston, TX and Bruce Lynskey, Co-Founder, Director, and Chief Executive Officer at ePrevenir will be presenting with us. Negotiating occurs in every facet of business and law. From contractual negotiations through settlement negotiations, it is a delicate dance. There are a variety of classic negotiation techniques, which include extreme posturing and “anchoring”. Healthcare and cybersecurity present unique challenges because of the looming exposure to a government investigation and either a civil and/or criminal action, even if a settlement is reached between two private parties. The purpose of this presentation is to provide approaches when negotiating contracts, settlements, and other items, which arise in healthcare and the cybersecurity industries. The post Negotiations in Healthcare and Technology appeared first on First Healthcare Compliance.

Catherine Short speaks with Iliana L. Peters, Shareholder at Polsinelli PC on the topic of “What's New in Data Privacy and Cyber Security.” We will be discussing new developments in data privacy protections and cyber security threats and this episode will include information on state law protections and expansions, thoughts regarding recent developments in cyber security issues like ransomware, and analysis of the greatest data privacy and security risks to companies in the current legal and regulatory environment. The post Data Privacy and Cyber Security – What's New? appeared first on First Healthcare Compliance.

First Healthcare Compliance hosts Kathleen W. McNicholas, MD, JD, CHC, CCEP, Consultant and Patient Advocate with Medical Legal Patient Advocacy Inc., for an interactive discussion on “Medical Error, CANDOR/candor, and Patient Advocacy.” Dr. McNicholas will review medical error and provide an approach to harmed patients. The CANDOR program of Communication and Optimal Resolution will be explained. CANDOR is well established and has been successfully adopted by many medical centers. With CANDOR in place, patients may benefit from the use of the principles and the help of a board-certified patient advocate.

First Healthcare Compliance hosts Kathleen W. McNicholas, MD, JD, CHC, CCEP, Consultant and Patient Advocate with Medical Legal Patient Advocacy Inc., for an interactive discussion on “Medical Error, CANDOR/candor, and Patient Advocacy.” Dr. McNicholas will review medical error and provide an approach to harmed patients. The CANDOR program of Communication and Optimal Resolution will be explained. CANDOR is well established and has been successfully adopted by many medical centers. With CANDOR in place, patients may benefit from the use of the principles and the help of a board-certified patient advocate. The post Medical Error, CANDOR/candor, and Patient Advocacy appeared first on First Healthcare Compliance.

Rachel V. Rose, JD, MBA, principal with Rachel V. Rose – Attorney at Law, P.L.L.C., Houston, TX presents this timely webinar. It's hard to believe that it's been 25 years since HIPAA was signed into law on August 21, 1996! Over the past two and a half decades, there have been a multitude of changes in the healthcare industry and technology. The three items that remain constant are preserving the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of a patient's protected health information. The post HIPAA Celebrates 25 Years – A Synopsis of the Law's Evolution appeared first on First Healthcare Compliance.

Catherine Short speaks with Rachel V. Rose, JD, MBA, principal with Rachel V. Rose – Attorney at Law, P.L.L.C., Houston, TX, on the topic of “HIPAA Celebrates 25 Years - A Synopsis of the Law's Evolution.” It's hard to believe that it's been 25 years since HIPAA was signed into law on August 21, 1996! Over the past two and a half decades, there have been a multitude of changes in the healthcare industry and technology. The three items that remain constant are preserving the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of a patient's protected health information. The post Happy Birthday HIPAA!! 25 Years of Growing and Changing! appeared first on First Healthcare Compliance.

Shauna Itri, Partner at Seeger Weiss LLP will be presenting for us today. A whistleblower or qui tam action can provide financial rewards to individuals who have information that a company/individual has committed fraud. The primary statutes under which this relief may be sought are the federal and state False Claims Acts (“FCAs”). In addition to the FCAs, there are other statutes which apply to tax fraud, securities fraud, and in California, fraud on private insurance companies. This practical Course will provide an overview of the False Claims Acts, the knowledge and skills to be able to recognize a potential whistleblower case, and understand the unique procedures utilized in filing whistleblower cases/tips. The second half of the Course will go into recent trends in cases brought (or could be brought) under the False Claims Act including cases involving mined data and potential fraud related to COVID-19. The post Fraud, Healthcare, COVID-19, and the False Claims Act appeared first on First Healthcare Compliance.

Sean McKenna, Partner at Spencer Fane, LLP in Dallas, TX and Mike McCarthy, Deputy General Counsel at The Cooper Health System in Camden, NJ, will be presenting on these newly updated regulations. Discussion will cover the new Stark, AKS, and other pertinent rules affecting healthcare providers. The post Stark/AKS – New and Improved? appeared first on First Healthcare Compliance.

Rebecca L. Rakoski, managing partner at XPAN Law Partners and Sajed Naseem, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) from NJ Courts are presenting this engaging webinar. Employees are one of an organization's greatest strengths, but also its greatest weaknesses. For years cybersecurity and data privacy advocates have been arguing that training employees is the only way to safeguard the organization. This is especially true in the healthcare arena where HIPAA training is required. However, these same healthcare organizations engage in training for their employees only to stare down the barrel of a data breach caused by one of those trained employees.The question becomes, why do we continue to repeat the same exercise expecting a different outcome? The post Stop the Insanity! Why Healthcare Organizations Need to Take a New Approach to Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Training appeared first on First Healthcare Compliance.

Catherine Short converses with Rachel V. Rose, JD, MBA, principal with Rachel V. Rose – Attorney at Law, P.L.L.C. and Don Barbo, Managing Director with VMG Health, on the topic of “New Stark Law and AKS Final Rules -Valuation Considerations.” On January 19, 2021, a new era was ushered in as the CMS Stark Law Final Rule and the HHS-OIG Anti-Kickback Statute Final Rule became effective. The impetus behind the new Final Rules is value-based care and care coordination. In light of the advent of Value-Based Arrangements, which include Value-Based Enterprises, as well as the continuing importance of fair-market value and commercial reasonableness, we will focus on these aspects of the respective Final Rules, which must be read in conjunction with each other. The post New Stark Law and AKS Final Rules -Valuation Considerations appeared first on First Healthcare Compliance.

First Healthcare Compliance hosts Rachel V. Rose, JD, MBA, principal with Rachel V. Rose – Attorney at Law, P.L.L.C., Houston, TX, for an interactive discussion on “HIPAA Compliance for Business Associates.” The July 2020 monetary payment of over $1 million dollars by a health system to HHS-OCR serves as a reminder to covered entities and business associates alike that HIPAA violations can be costly. The focus of this presentation is on business associates and subcontracts and the potential threats that can exploit vulnerabilities and trigger costly reporting to government agencies, as well as private lawsuits. Risk mitigation strategies will also be discussed, as well as some key items that should not be overlooked during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Objectives: 1. Legal obligations of business associates and subcontractors. 2. Areas of liability, which can extend throughout the "link of trust" between covered entities, business associates and subcontractors. 3. Utilizing compliance with the Privacy Rule, Security Rule, and NIST Standards to mitigate risk - even during COVID.

First Healthcare Compliance hosts Trevor Brown, Vice President of Business Development at Relatient, for an interactive discussion on “Hybrid Patient Care Models: How Medical Practices Thrive After COVID-19.” The COVID-19 pandemic complicated healthcare delivery as healthcare organizations limited procedures and in-office visits to essential care only and quickly spun up Telehealth services to treat patients remotely, protecting both patients and staff. Now, as medical practices, hospitals, and health systems have welcomed their patients back, they face new challenges, including increased gaps in care, staying prepared for future disruptions big and small, and meeting new patient expectations that shifted during the pandemic's crisis points. Hybrid care models are helping medical providers meet the need by combining in-office and Telehealth visits with digital workflows that streamline the patient journey, get patients engaged in their care again, and maintain best practices learned during COVID-19. In this presentation, we'll take a look at hybrid care models in action, strategies for powering them effectively, and steps for getting started or refining what's already in place. Objectives: 1. Identify the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the response from medical providers on patient expectations. 2. Evaluate hybrid patient care models, including what they are, why they are needed, and best practices for sustaining them long-term. 3. Offer strategies for implementing a hybrid patient care model in the outpatient setting, including digital workflows that power hybrid care models and leveraging existing patient engagement strategies to further support the model.

First Healthcare Compliance hosts Rebecca L. Rakoski, co-founder and managing partner at XPAN Law Group, for an interactive discussion on “Vendor Management In Healthcare: The High Cost of Failing to Triage Your Vendors” There will be a discussion on the importance of vendor management in the healthcare industry, recent vendor- related data breaches, unique issues presented by COVID-19, along with an overview of the regulatory framework healthcare-related businesses need to understand. We will also provide a three-step process to address vendor management. This webinar will cover the following objectives: 1. Understand the threat vendors pose in healthcare 2. Understand the regulatory framework 3. Understand how to create a vendor management program that works.

First Healthcare Compliance hosts Grant Elliott, President and CEO of Ostendio, for an interactive discussion on “HIPAA: A Timely Overview & Update.” This webinar will cover in-depth all aspects of HIPAA and why it is relevant today. Starting with the history of HIPAA and how it came about we will move on to discuss the core elements of HIPAA and why they are important. The presentation will discuss the intent of HIPAA and what it means to businesses. We will discuss other common security regulations and how they compare to, or differ from, HIPAA. The presentation will close with recommendations for organizations who need to adhere to HIPAA requirements. Objectives: 1. Provide history of HIPAA 2. Teach core elements and intent of HIPAA 3. Explain security compliance and how to approach it.

First Healthcare Compliance hosts Feisal Nanji, CEO and Executive Director at Techumen LLC, for an interactive discussion on “Why are Security & Governance for Health Data Analytics Vital?” Data analytics can substantially help reduce costs by analyzing vast amounts of payor, patient, and provider data. In using data analytics, everyone in the health care supply chain must be ready to securely manage vast patient data sets that will move in high volume and at high velocity. If such activities are not governed correctly, a breach of a single data set will result in a very large breach and a serious dent to reputation and the possibility of severe sanctions. The second webinar in this series is entitled "Securing Your Data Analytics Program" and will happen on December 15th. This webinar will cover the following objectives: 1. Overview of data analytics, including where and how it is used 2. Discussion of security issues presented by data analytics, including data governance, secure management of infrastructure, and secure management of applications and databases 3. Future of data analytics and security

First Healthcare Compliance hosts Warren Cook, President and Co-Founder of SymbianceHR, for an interactive discussion on “How Workplace Communication Mitigates Harassment.” This webinar explores the various communication strategies and practices necessary to develop a culture that inherently minimizes harassing behavior in the workplace. Specifically examined are various communication techniques and activities that lead to engagement and empowerment while simultaneously creating an inclusive environment that builds trust and respect. Business leaders will gain insight into what works and how to maximize current efforts, including why it's important to launch new initiatives to mitigate harassment while improving overall organizational success. Objectives: 1. Review various communication mediums and strategies that lead to enhanced engagement, trust and respect in the workplace 2. Understand the risks and liabilities associated with poor communication practices creating an environment capable of sustaining harassment and learn new strategies to enhance their workplace culture 3. Attendees will learn practical tips, strategies and practices necessary to achieve an inclusive work environment that limits risk and liability while empowering the workforce for continued success

First Healthcare Compliance hosts Emily A. Johnson, and Courtney Tito, Members, at McDonald Hopkins LLC, for an interactive discussion on “Federal Healthcare Fraud and Abuse Framework.” This webinar reviews the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute, Stark Law, Anti-Markup Rule, EKRA, and False Claims Act. Additionally, there will be a discussion on state fraud and abuse laws, and an overview of fraud and abuse compliance in light of COVID-19. Educational Objectives: 1. Understand the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute, Self-Referral Law, Anti-Markup Rule, EKRA, and False Claims Act. 2. Understand state fraud and abuse legislation and private payor considerations. 3. Understand how fraud and abuse compliance has been impacted by COVID-19.

First Healthcare Compliance hosts Melody W. Mulaik, MSHS is President of Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies LLC for an interactive discussion on “Diagnosis Coding: The Cost of One and Done.” The documentation of detailed clinical information should result in the assignment of accurate and hopefully reimbursable diagnosis codes. As practices look to streamline documentation and coding processes it is critical to practice continual quality improvement. The goal should always be to minimize additional work for providers while ensuring that the patients' needs are being addressed clinically and financially. This session focuses on key areas of concern to balance compliance with operational efficiency. Understanding how diagnosis codes are utilized by insurance payers and other industry stakeholders is vital to ensuring that your organization receives appropriate recognition and credit for quality care. Objectives: 1. Identify when there are enough codes to release a charge. 2. Explain the impact of diagnosis coding on the future of quality-based payment models. 3. Discuss ways to communicate the necessity of clinical data to physicians and other clinical staff generating the medical record.

First Healthcare Compliance hosts Steven S. Wilder, BA, CHSP, STS, Senior Consultant & COO of Sorensen, Wilder & Associates for an interactive discussion on “Training Your Staff: The Active Shooter in a Healthcare Facility.” A healthcare facility is one of the easiest "soft targets" the active shooter can find...countless open doors on the perimeter make it an easy target. Staff must be prepared to recognize the event, respond properly, and recover afterward. And, in the COVID-19 world, that risk may move to an even higher level. Educational Objectives: Explain five steps to minimize the losses that result from an active shooter event in a healthcare facility. Explain the "Four Outs" of response to an active shooter event in a healthcare facility. Discuss the decision-making process between personal safety and patient safety for the healthcare professional.

First Healthcare Compliance hosts Emily A. Johnson, and Courtney Tito, Members, at McDonald Hopkins LLC, for an interactive discussion on “COVID 19: Testing, Reimbursement, and Provider Relief Funds.” There will be a discussion of laboratory testing for COVID-19, including the types of tests available, requirements for testing, operational and business considerations for offering testing, employer-mandated testing, and reimbursement for testing. Additionally, this program will discuss the Provider Relief Funds issued pursuant to the CARES Act and enforcement of the terms and conditions of that program. Educational Objectives: 1. Understanding of types of COVID-19 testing available and business considerations when performing testing. 2. Overview of serology vs. PCR testing and implications of the same on employer-mandated testing. 3. Discussion of reimbursement for COVID-19 testing and discussion of the Provider Relief Funds program and enforcement of such program.

First Healthcare Compliance hosts Lauren E.M. Russell, Counsel, for Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP, for an interactive discussion on “Returning to Work Safely: What You Need to Know in the “New Normal”.” Protecting your employees and your business as we find our new normal, during the coronavirus pandemic. Objectives: 1. Recalling your employees to avoid claims of discrimination, leave interference, and work-related injury 2. Addressing the interplay between recall and unemployment benefits 3. Effectively addressing workplace safety concerns

First Healthcare Compliance hosts Melody W. Mulaik, MSHS is President of Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies LLC for an interactive discussion on “Appropriate Use Criteria: What you Need to Know.” 2020 is the official CMS testing year for AUC/CDS implementation. As organizations continue to bridge the gap with imaging facilities, it is important that everyone be on the same page throughout the CMS implementation and testing period. Additionally, any physician practices that perform and bill for diagnostic services must ensure compliance through correct billing practices. Working through the charge capture processes and identifying where gaps currently exist will ensure that plans can be quickly implemented to address these concerns and ensure that the Jan. 1, 2021 implementation date is successful and that no one's revenue is disrupted. In addition, the speaker will also share implementation stories for the group's benefit. Educational Objectives: 1. Identify specific areas of concern for your organization regarding AUC/CDS implementation. 2. Facilitate discussions with all stakeholders to ensure all perspectives are heard and addressed. 3. Design actions that can be taken to facilitate a successful implementation to ensure revenue is not negatively impacted.

First Healthcare Compliance hosts Patricia M. Clendening, President of HR Strategies, LLC for an interactive discussion on “Navigating COVID-19 and Preparing for Reentry to the Workplace.” This presentation will help your organization navigate the current pandemic as well as prepare for reentry to the new normal. Topics covered will include: COVID's Impact on your Business We have FFCRA, now what? OSHA Compliance, Preparing for Reentry Unemployment Highlights, ADA & HIPAA Compliance, and Best Practices. Educational Objectives: 1. COVID-19's impact on your business; 2. COVID-19's impact on the business if an owner becomes incapacitated; 3. How to prepare for reentry - business needs that must be addressed before fully opening up including preplanning, general requirements, cubicles and offices, bathrooms, common areas, mailrooms, kitchens, elevators and policies that may need to be modified or added to your handbook.

First Healthcare Compliance hosts Andrea Tinianow, Chief Legal Officer and Tom Allen, Healthcare Director of Transparency Registry (TR), an online platform that tracks distressed consumer debt to ensure compliance with HIPAA and debt collection regulations, for an interactive discussion on “Medical Debt: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.” The presentation will explain the issues and opportunities related to medical debt, including the regulatory framework that serves as a backdrop to the discussion. The presentation will explore the options available to doctors and health care facilities regarding debt collection, delving into the advantages and disadvantages of each. This will not be a theoretical discussion. The presenters will discuss real world experiences and challenges involving medical debt. Objectives: 1. Understand the regulatory issues surrounding medical debt. 2. Identify the options for healthcare providers that seek to collect and capture value from their medical debt. 3. Consider the advantages and disadvantages related to medical debt.

First Healthcare Compliance hosts Rachel V. Rose, JD, MBA, principal with Rachel V. Rose – Attorney at Law, P.L.L.C., Houston, TX, for an interactive discussion on “HHS Final Rules, Patient Access to PHI & Health Apps Intersect.” On March 9, 2020, HHS announced the promulgation of two final rules - the ONC Final Rule and the CMS Final Rule. The fundamental objective is to expand an individual patient's control over his/her health data. One aspect requires insurance plans to share health data with their patients in a format suitable for their phones or other device of choice. How does this impact provider liability in light of the Healthcare Apps Guidance issued by HHS? Educational Objectives: 1. Explain the two new final rules, as well as the potential impact on providers. 2. Review the Healthcare Apps Guidance, which relates to HIPAA liability. 3. Provide suggestions for integrating the new rules while continuing to strive towards HIPAA compliance.

First Healthcare Compliance hosts Channing D. Sheets, MSEd, RVT, RBP, is a Senior Safety Engineer and Epidemiologist at Cal OSHA, for an interactive discussion on “Aerosol Transmissible Disease Standard (ATD) using California Standards as a Model.” This presentation will briefly describe the elements of an ATD plan and include some published case studies. Educational Objectives: 1. Elements of Aerosol Transmissible Disease Plan 2. Implementing an Exposure Control Program 3. Exposure Investigation: Case Studies