On April 9, 2020 the Department of Health & Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued another Notification that it will exercise its enforcement discretion and not impose penalties for HIPAA violations in connection with good faith participation in the operation of COVID-19 testing sites during the COVID-19 emergency.
Continue Reading HHS Waives HIPAA Penalties for Operation of a Community-Based COVID-19 Testing Site
Security Rule
Federal Government Significantly Expands Telehealth Reimbursement During COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
By Melissa (Lisa) Thompson & Conor Duffy on
Posted in Academic Medical Centers, Accountable Care Organizations, COVID-19, Fraud and Abuse, Government Enforcement, Health Information Technology, Healthcare Technology, HIPAA, Hospitals and Health Systems, Legislation, Medical Devices, Medicare and Medicaid, Office of Inspector General, Physicians and Allied Health Professionals, Privacy and Security, Reimbursement, Telemedicine
On March 17, the Trump Administration announced expanded reimbursement for clinicians providing telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published an announcement, a fact sheet and Frequently Asked Questions. To further facilitate telehealth services, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a notification describing certain technologies that would be permitted to be used for telehealth without being subject to penalties under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act regulations (HIPAA). In addition, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) announced it will allow healthcare providers to reduce or waive cost-sharing for telehealth visits.
Continue Reading Federal Government Significantly Expands Telehealth Reimbursement During COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
$5.5 Million HIPAA Settlement Emphasizes Importance of Audit Controls of Access by OHCA Affiliates
By Melissa (Lisa) Thompson on
Posted in Hospitals and Health Systems, Privacy and Security
On February 16, 2017, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced a $5.5 million settlement with South Broward Hospital District d/b/a Memorial Healthcare System (Healthcare System), to settle potential violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). The Healthcare System is a nonprofit corporation that operates several hospitals, an urgent care center, a nursing home, and ancillary health care facilities throughout south Florida. The Healthcare System is also affiliated with physician offices through an Organized Health Care Arrangement (OHCA).
Continue Reading $5.5 Million HIPAA Settlement Emphasizes Importance of Audit Controls of Access by OHCA Affiliates