Compliance
RSSArticles
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Purl Decision Affects HIPAA Compliance, Reproductive Health
A recent court ruling has a significant effect on HIPAA compliance as it pertains to reproductive health. It can be seen as relief from a rule that some criticized as burdensome and unnecessary. When the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization prompted states to restrict access to reproductive health services, Health and Human Services issued a rule strengthening reproductive health privacy protections under HIPAA.
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Staying Compliant Can Be Challenging in 2025
Compliance is always a main concern for healthcare leaders, but some periods can be more challenging than others. Different federal administrations address compliance in different ways, and it is important to understand their particular areas of focus.
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Drug Diversion Still a Serious Compliance, Patient Safety Issue
Drug diversion remains as big a problem in healthcare organizations as ever, threatening the safety of patients and quality of care provided by impaired clinicians. Addressing the problem will require a comprehensive effort from risk managers and medical leaders.
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Appellate Court Affirms Trial Court’s Grant of Summary Judgment in Drowning Case
The Georgia Court of Appeals recently upheld a trial court’s decision granting summary judgment to the defendants in a medical malpractice suit following the accidental drowning death of a patient after he was discharged from the hospital.
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Appeals Court Affirms Exclusion of Evidence and Defense Verdict After Delivery of Newborn
A recent medical malpractice case in Ohio provides an important primer on the evidence that plaintiffs can use to try to establish malpractice.
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Compassion Fatigue Threatens Patient Safety
Nurses are experiencing compassion fatigue more than ever — and patient safety can suffer as a result. Long hours, staff shortages, and emotional and physical exhaustion have contributed to about 100,000 registered nurses leaving the workforce during the pandemic due to stress, according to a recent report.
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Anti-Kickback Ruling Undercuts Some False Claims Act Cases
Courts are beginning to question how aggressive whistleblowers and government lawyers are concerning the use of the Anti-Kickback Statute as a predicate act for a False Claims Act violation.
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Supreme Court Ruling Changes View of Wrongful Intent
A Supreme Court ruling is changing how a defendant’s knowledge of wrongdoing and intent to commit fraud is viewed in civil cases. The ruling has significant implications for healthcare cases in which the False Claims Act is involved.
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Compliance Requirements Continue to Change, Need Close Attention
Healthcare compliance is a never-ending challenge, and the expectations change constantly. Staying abreast of new developments is essential. Some of the latest involve the False Claims Act, Medicare risk adjustments, and HIPAA enforcement.
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Attorney-Client Privilege Is Vital, but Know Limitations
Attorney/client privilege can be vital in defending malpractice cases and managing other risk management issues. But sometimes, it is misunderstood by risk managers in healthcare, and missteps can have significant implications. Understanding attorney-client privilege is the first step to taking advantage of this important protection.