http://www.compliancehome.com/ ComplianceHome is one of the Web's largest library of resources for compliance management of HIPAA, SOX, FISMA, GLBA, FDA, FFIEC, Basel II, OSHA and ISO 27002/17799. Visit our directories which are the best source on White papers, related news articles, resources on the web, training, webinars, conferences, rules & regulation overview, ask the expert, job and search on vendors, solutions & products. http://www.compliancehome.com/images/rsslogo.gif http://www.compliancehome.com/ en-us Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18723.html A bill to repeal the continuing clause in statute has been introduced by Guam - Senator Ben Pangelinan. The bill would also mandate that insurance companies who respond to the request for proposal to provide health and medical benefits to employees of GovGuam, include enrollment and utilization data. On the session floor, Senator Pangelinan explained there is only one insurance company that provides health and dental care for government of Guam employees and this bill will enable the government to attract other participants and inject free market competition in the governments health insurance program. Senator Pangelinan says, Bill No. 107 will repeal this statute to attract other providers and create competition to negotiate for better rates and services. Bill No. 107 will also require vital statistical and utilization data, by contract. The information will safeguard specific patient data in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulation http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18723.html Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18716.html One of the most important tasks an organization performs is implementing email retention, compliance or e-Discovery software. Without a solid policy behind the software investment, companies risk wasting time and money. IT professionals have a critical role in ensuring the success of email retention, compliance, or e-Discovery software implementations. The first step is to decide who should be involved in defining your organizations email policies. Understand how your business is affected by various government and industry standards, and then take the time to carefully think out your policy, documenting each step. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18716.html Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18715.html Electronic medical records (EMR) has been heralded by both of the presidents, current and former as a way to avoid medical mistakes, reduce costs, and improve care. EMRs do offer safeguards and efficiencies. However, the technology brings a new set of risks to the table, and, EMRs do not eliminate a significant set of risks that are present whether one uses the pen or the keyboard. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18715.html Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Webinars/abstract18707.html Today, most IT organizations face a silent enemy: Rogue software components running in the datacenter, policies that cant be consistently enforced, and lack of transparency in deployment and update processes. Growing software complexity and the emergence of virtualization and cloud computing are pushing compliance to the brink. The stakes are high. At risk is noncompliance with PCI, HIPAA, SOX and other regulatory, corporate and IT mandates. And virtualization and cloud computing only compound the problem. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Webinars/abstract18707.html Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Webinars/abstract18703.html From newspaper articles to sessions at industry conferences, it seems everyone is talking about electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs are even an integral part of the federal stimulus plan that passed earlier this year. But most healthcare providers are unsure on where to start an EHR initiative or how to separate sound technology strategies from market hype. This web seminar is an ideal starting point. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Webinars/abstract18703.html Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18702.html A recent survey indicates that fully half of respondents have received a legal discovery request within the past five years. If presented with such a request, will your IT department be able to find and provide all the requested information in a timely manner? http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18702.html Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18699.html The Model EMP001 Eliminator Hard Drive and Magnetic Tape Degausser is being introduced by Security Engineered Machinery, its most recent product for degaussing hard drives. The electromagnetic-pulse degausser permanently erases data from computer hard drives, data tapes, and other magnetic media. The EMP001 is on the U.S. National Security Agency's Evaluated Products List, complies with Department of Defense requirements for destroying classified information on magnetic media, and exceeds the requirements of many national and international legislative mandates (FACTA, HIPAA, GLB, DPA, etc.) for the destruction of confidential/sensitive data. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18699.html Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18698.html There is no doubt that cloud computing is dominating today's IT conversation among C-level security executives. Whether it's due to the compelling cost saving possibilities in a tough economy, or because of perceived advantages in provisioning flexibility, auto-scaling, and on-demand computing, CSOs are probing the capabilities, costs and restrictions of the cloud. At the same time, security and compliance concerns are at the forefront of issues potentially holding large enterprises back from capitalizing on the benefits that cloud computing has to offer. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18698.html Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18691.html The American Medical Association met last month with several other industry organizations and government agencies in an effort to ensure physicians are as ready as possible for the next mandated version of diagnostic codes. Doctors, hospitals and payers need to adopt an updated version of the International Classification of Diseases code sets, ICD-10, by Oct. 1, 2013. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18691.html Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Webinars/abstract18688.html Mounting regulations across the globe have increased the cost and burden on organizations. The high cost is especially felt by organizations which must adhere to multiple requirements - 75 percent of organizations must comply with two or more regulations and corresponding audits and more than 40 percent must comply with three or more regulations. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Webinars/abstract18688.html Sun, 03 Jan 2010 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18680.html The prime focus of Austin, Texas,-based StoredIQ formed in the late 1990s was on helping organizations manage storage growth and its attendant costs. At the time, companies tended to solve their data explosion problems by just buying more storage, but this sort of head-in-the-sand response became untenable as compliance regulations such as HIPAA and Sarbanes-Oxley took effect. And as the majority of enterprise data moved online, e-discovery became an increasingly expensive concern. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18680.html Sun, 03 Jan 2010 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18675.html The HITECH Act within the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act substantially enhanced the HIPAA privacy and security rules. Some of those changes went into force during 2009, with more than a dozen additional regulatory actions or industry guidance documents expected in 2010. Requirements - and penalties - of the privacy and security rules now apply directly to business associates. These include such entities as IT vendors, banks, billing firms and other service providers, who now must comply with the rules as if they were covered entities. Further, some newer types of organizations - particularly health information exchanges/regional health information organizations, e-prescribing gateways and personal health records vendors - now are considered business associates. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18675.html Sun, 03 Jan 2010 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18674.html A medication tracking system that has reduced waste by 32 percent has been rolled out by the pharmacy department at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. According to officials at the 1,058-bed tertiary care hospital, savings have occurred by reducing obsolete inventory. The MedBoard system, offered by Bellevue, Wash.-based Pharmacy OneSource, went live in April 2009 for pilot testing and was fully implemented in July. It tracks about 12,000 doses a month, with a focus on high-priority and high-cost medications, and is gradually being expanded to include more medications and nursing units. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18674.html Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18665.html A new security solution that integrates palm vein biometric technology from Fujitsu with IBM's single sign on solution, improves security and better manage compliance with healthcare, financial services and government regulations. Employees can securely access applications, files and websites with a single scan of their palm by eliminating the need to remember multiple passwords and the threats posed by those lost or stolen. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18665.html Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Webinars/abstract18664.html The security and privacy rules of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) took effect in 2003, but the healthcare industry did not take any of it seriously, as there was a lack of any real enforcement. There's been a lot of talk but no action. However, the passing of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act earlier this year will change all of that. The HITECH Act not only strengthens HIPAA requirements but also adds additional incentives for companies to switch over to electronic records while ensuring security. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Webinars/abstract18664.html Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18662.html Tracking new regulations and compliance rulings from federal and state government can be dizzyingthey include FRCP, HIPAA, GLB, and more. But now more than ever, the government expects all businesses to comply, not just large corporations. Today, every company is responsible for its data and for securing its customers information, no matter how much it costs to do so. In todays litigious business world, the possibility of being dragged into a lawsuit is very real, and if that happens, you will likely need to make your information available to the process. And woe to the company that cannot comply with basic regulations, because a judge will not accept that you thought those requirements applied only to the big companies. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18662.html Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18656.html Significant action to comply with the original HIPAA privacy and security rules, which were never vigorously enforced are yet to be taken by some health care organizations. Now that those rules have been beefed up under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, with increased enforcement and tougher penalties, many observers expect more hospitals, physician groups and others to gear up their data security assurance efforts. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18656.html Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Webinars/abstract18655.html The crunch to compete, evaluate and award funding associated with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 is creating enormous challenges. Because so much of the $787 billion economic stimulus package will be dispersed in the next 18 months, this Webcast will reveal key implications for federal, state and local government organizations each of whom must somehow appropriate funding, while providing transparency on spending and allocating monies that will ultimately improve operations and deliver more services. Industry observers claim more than $100 billion will go toward technological advances related to expanding broadband networks and services, building a nationwide electrical smartgrid along with related green technologies, and optimizing healthcare IT. Up first, however, are ongoing efforts to support federal IT modernization, including data center improvements for the State Department, Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs and others http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Webinars/abstract18655.html Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Webinars/abstract18654.html For organizations currently using traditional infrastructures, a cloud will enable users to consume IT resources in the data center in ways that were never before available. Agencies following traditional data center management practices know that making IT resources available to an end user can be time-intensive. A cloud dramatically alleviates this problem by implementing automation, business workflows and resource abstraction. So why havent more agencies moved toward cloud computing. Where does your agency stand? Join us in this cloud computing Webcast to hear Teri Robinson, contributing editor of 1105 Media Group, discuss current issues and hot topics in debate around cloud computing. 1105 Media talks regularly with IT managers, vendors, procurement and many others, and has deep insights into the questions being asked, the worries and fears, as well as the triumphs and successes of those who have taken the plunge. In addition, you will hear Howard Levenson, a cloud expert from http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Webinars/abstract18654.html Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18653.html 3M has made a new facility available for physicians with BlackBerry devices ? Mobile Dictation Software ? which allows them to access email, dictation and phone services while on the move. It includes a full range of security features that fulfill HIPAA and hospital-specific guidelines for encryption and authentication. Using the software through either BlackBerry or Windows Mobile platforms, physicians can view patient lists, search IDs and access the most current patient information via their smartphone. Ray Terrill, senior vice-president for 3M Health Information Systems, stated: http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18653.html Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18648.html A company specializing in Internet broadcasting that also holds many patented technologies, Modavox, Inc., reportedly announced updates regarding its Augme Mobile Health line of business. This update offers an overview of Augme Mobile Healths unique application of the AD LIFE mobile marketing platform which is suitable for the pharmaceutical industry. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18648.html Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18647.html The final version of the Senate health care reform bill (HR 3590) includes provisions to strengthen HIPAA transaction standards and simplify other administrative processes, Health Data Management reports (Goedert, Health Data Management, 12/22). http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18647.html Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Webinars/abstract18637.html Join Randall Spratt, Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Officer for McKesson Corporation (NYSE:MCK) as he discusses the impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) on health information technology, electronic health records, and patient data privacy. This session will cover: Overview of ARRA requirements for nationwide electronic health records and the impact on healthcare IT, Strategies for addressing privacy and data security challenges, Strategies for securing funding from the ARRA to help fund IT projects http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Webinars/abstract18637.html Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Regulations/abstract18636.html Nothing has had more bearing on health IT throughout the '00s than Title II of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, otherwise known as the administrative simplification regulations of HIPAA. Together, the rules on privacy and security of health information, on transactions and code sets for electronic data interchange and on the National Provider Identifier system have had an impact on pretty much every aspect of health IT this decade. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Regulations/abstract18636.html Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18635.html In cases of suspected child abuse or neglect, state and federal laws allow pediatricians to disclose the child's personal medical information to appropriate authorities without obtaining permission from a guardian, according to a policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The academy's committee on child abuse and neglect provided an overview of laws regarding the release of a child's private information, including the federal Health Insurance and Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), in the January issue of Pediatrics. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18635.html Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Webinars/abstract18626.html IT faces a number of challenges supporting the business today. Economic pressure to save money and do more with less is driving even more applications outside of the firewall and into the Cloud. Users demand Internet Single Sign-On, applications need to securely share user identity and IT needs to manage user accounts in tens or even hundreds of remote directories. All of this must be accomplished in a secure, fast, easy, scalable and cost effective way that complies with regulations like Sarbanes-Oxley and HIPAA. Ping Identity proudly announces the release of PingFederate 6.0, the first Secure Internet Identity Platform to fulfill these requirements both inside and outside of the firewall. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Webinars/abstract18626.html Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Webinars/abstract18620.html What will happen to dictation and transcription in the coming age of electronic medical records? This webinar will explore the big changes taking place in medical transcription, as EMRs, digital recording and speech recognition take over the traditional, time-consuming process of medical dictation and transcription. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Webinars/abstract18620.html Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18619.html With the increase of smartphones, email has become mobile. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18619.html Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18618.html A provider of interactive kiosks and digital signage, D2 Sales, has announced that the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medial Center has successfully completed a self-service check-in pilot program and will deploy D2's My Patient Passport Express kiosk throughout its facilities. According to D2, the touchscreen, HIPAA-compliant kiosk allows hospital patients to check in, make appointments, update medical history, make copayments and sign documents electronically. The kiosk's enclosure was created to be consistent with the hospital's branding program. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18618.html Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18617.html Many of the unemployed, besides looking for a new job, will soon have to start shopping for health insurance because a one-time government program that has subsidized the cost for keeping employer-provided policies is just about over. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 allowed the federal government to pay 65 percent of COBRA costs for nine months for those who lost their jobs between Sept. 1, 2008, and the end of this year. President Obama last week called for the program to be extended, but whether Congress will do that remains questionable. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18617.html Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18616.html The biggest obstacle being faced by the organizations that are governed by regulatory compliance mandates is interpreting how to meet their requirements. The FISMA Act, for example, applies to the entire Federal Government, but each agency or military branch have their own regulators that add enhancements to FISMA. From operating manuals such as NISPOM, security standards such as NIST 800-53, or even memorandums issued by the respective chiefs of each organization -- finding a clear roadmap describing what to do is becoming increasingly more complicated. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18616.html Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18607.html A Springfield elementary school student was sent to juvenile detention following an altercation with a teacher in one of the districts alternative programs. The incident occurred at the Berry building on East Division Street, which houses the Positive Alternatives for Learning Success, or PALS program. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18607.html Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Webinars/abstract18601.html New federal rules, mandated under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, recently were issued that will require health care organizations to report breaches of health information. Separate rules by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Federal Trade Commission govern different types of breaches and organizations. Linn Freedman, partner in the national law firm Nixon Peabody, will lay out the rules' requirements and compliance timetables, and offer advice on complying. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Webinars/abstract18601.html Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Webinars/abstract18600.html Over the past few months there has been much talk about Federal stimulus dollars with a particular emphasis on ARRA (HITECH) incentives for both physicians and hospitals. While securing the funding is top of mind for most healthcare organizations, what about the impact of the ARRA legislation on a day to day basis for healthcare organizations? How will the ARRA legislation affect quality of care? Beyond the funding, there is substantial benefit.To help you position your healthcare organization to qualify for the ARRA Federal funds and to understand the resulting quality improvements the ARRA initiatives can provide, Eclipsys is offering a free web seminar for you. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Webinars/abstract18600.html Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18590.html A leading provider of information management software for enterprise data governance, Kalido, recently announced that leading regional health insurance provider Independent Health has selected the Kalido Information Engine to deliver a data-governance-driven information management solution that will help better manage data related to members, providers and claims in order to slow the growth rate of healthcare costs and improve service. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18590.html Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18589.html Six UMC staff members have been suspended for their treatment of a pregnant woman seeking help in the emergency room and more than 100 people have been notified their personal information might have been compromised. University Medical Center officials responded to the two ongoing investigations into emergency room practices at the regions only public hospital. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18589.html Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18588.html A recent survey found. that many of the hospitals and others that will be impacted by changes to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act don't know that rule changes are set to go into effect in 2010. The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society conducted a survey of 150 hospital information technology executives and 26 business associate firms. Under HIPAA, business associates are any organizations that handle patient health information for purposes other than treating patients. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18588.html Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Webinars/abstract18586.html The effects of a data breach in the healthcare industry are far reaching as patients and clients lose more than personal identification information (names, addresses, social security numbers), but also sensitive and private medical information (medical conditions, medication information, treatments) that is fodder for identity theft, medical billing fraud and other criminal schemes. The results are financially dibilitating and impact an organization's credibility. Does one have the defenses in place to ward off threats of a data breach? With the ever growing use and acceptance of laptops, Smartphones, USB keys, and electronic medical records, the health industry is at an ever greater risk of exposure to data breaches. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Webinars/abstract18586.html Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18576.html http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18576.html Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18575.html An official agreement to be the secure communications platform for Mediscribes has been announced by SenditCertified. One of the leading medical transcription companies in the world, Mediscribes has recently completed a six month trial with SenditCertified, and will now move toward full integration of both the Corporate Secure Inbox (CSI) and ePackage solutions. As the largest medical transcription company of its kind, serving doctors and hospitals around the world, Mediscribes is committed to using SenditCertifieds patent-pending technologies for all of its client communications. During the trial period, Mediscribes sent more than 10,000 ePackages worldwide. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18575.html Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18572.html GuardianEdge, Endpoint security firm announced that it will evolve with the full disk encryption market by releasing a new encryption management product meant to work seamlessly with the Trusted Computing Group's (TCG) hardware-based disk encryption specification, Opal. Released earlier this year by TCG, Opal was designed to offer the industry a standard for self-encrypting drives, which many in the security and storage space will help organizations comply with regulations such as PCI and HIPAA to protect data across its lifecycle. Several drive manufacturers, including Fujitsu and Hitatchi, have already unleashed Opal drives to the channel, with a torrent of even more drives due for release in 2010. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18572.html Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18571.html The first federal data breach notification requirements recently became effective. The new requirements, introduced by the HITECH Act that was part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act signed into law by President Obama in February 2009, will impact not only Covered Entities (namely, health care providers, insurers and clearinghouses) but also business associates, generally, those companies that provide services often, technology providers -- to such covered entities and have access to protected health information, as well as vendors of personal health records (PHR). http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18571.html Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18560.html The IT industry megatrends of virtualization and cloud computing are creating a demand for intelligent workload management tools and Novell sees opportunities for itself and its channel partners in meeting that demand. Novell will unveil an evolution in its strategic direction to position its development, security, systems management and business services management products for intelligent workload management and will disclose a product roadmap to debut new products in each of those categories in 2010. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18560.html Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18553.html Michigan's Supreme Court is set to decide whether the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act preempts a state law allowing defendants in medical liability lawsuits to informally interview plaintiffs' other treating physicians -- a move that doctors say could put them at a disadvantage in defending such cases. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18553.html Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18548.html NAS Insurance Services has enhanced its miscellaneous medical malpractice insurance by adding an endorsement for Medefense Plus with a $25,000 sublimit and an option to increase the sublimit up to $100,000. Medefense Plus is a program that offers coverage for defense costs and civil fines and penalties for billing errors, RAC audits, HIPAA, EMTALA and Stark proceedings for organizations delivering medical or medically-related services. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18548.html Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18547.html A broad privacy breach into patients' records at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has been reviewed by the Attorney General. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18547.html Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18537.html Health care providers are struggling to ensure compliance with yet another set of information security and privacy safeguards. It's a familiar, if reactive, stance. In the early part of the decade, health care shops found themselves in racing to comply with the security and electronic document interchange (EDI) provisions of the then-new Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA proved to be so disruptive that Congress repeatedly extended HIPAA's EDI deadlines first through 2003, then on a http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18537.html Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18533.html Allegations of privacy violations at the Wentworth -Douglass Hospital are looked into by the Federal officials. The action comes in the wake of claims by two Seacoast doctors that their contracts with the hospital were not renewed because they blew the whistle on unauthorized changes to patient records between May 2006 and June 2007 changes that numbered more than 1,800 instances. The regional office of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is undertaking a review following stories in Foster's Daily Democrat detailing allegations by Drs. Glenn Littell and Cheryl Moore of Piscataqua Pathology Associates (PPA). They say the group's service to the hospital was terminated as retaliation for their reporting of privacy infractions on the part of a hospital employee. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18533.html Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18532.html When it comes to databases, there's one thing that all users agree on: a single breach can be devastating. One look at the security headlines will tell you that no company can afford a database leak. One of the most promising technologies for security pros who are struggling to stay on top of this concern is database activity monitoring, or DAM. These systems enable organizations to monitor database events in real-time and quickly respond to unauthorized activity. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18532.html Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18520.html Some of the frequently asked questions concerning the privacy of health information when a patient or provider is involved in an investigation or legal proceeding are covered here. This article was originally published in the November 2009 Wisconsin Health Law News, published by the State Bars Health Law Section. http://www.compliancehome.com/resources/HIPAA/Articles/abstract18520.html