False claims settlements over meaningful use money have popped into the news again. The provider was sued by whistleblowers and the DOJ for not doing a security risk analysis but attesting to one to get the meaningful use payments anyway. There is whistleblower's angle in this case which makes it even more interesting. If you know anyone that has received any meaningful use money they should check out this episode!
More info at HelpMeWithHIPAA.com/210
This new BA guidance from OCR is important because it defines clearly all the things we hear misstated over and over. Several of our Top 10 Wrong HIPAA Statements episode are addressed in the simple ten item list. Today we will discuss the announcement and what does that mean to BAs and their privacy and security programs.
More info at HelpMeWithHIPAA.com/209
The multi-state settlement with Medical Informatics Engineering makes the OCR settlement seem like a cake walk. The vendor agrees to pay OCR $100,000 with a standard 2-year corrective action plan. The states get $900,000 plus 5 years of very specific corrective action requirements. Vendors need to pay attention to this case and take appropriate action now.
More info at HelpMeWithHIPAA.com/208
Sanction policies are often vague or even overlooked in many privacy and security programs. The whole point of a sanction policy is to list out the consequences for failure to follow our policies and procedures. With a vague or non-existent policy consequences aren’t clear which leads to a lack of concern for failure to follow the policy in the first place. You will never build a culture that worries about protecting information without it being clear that is a requirement for inclusion in our culture. How do you sanction?
More at HelpMeWithHIPAA.com/207
Maturity is something we expect from respected folks or grown folks but what about your privacy and security program, do you check it’s maturity? You have all of these plans, policies, procedures, and training but is it actually meeting your needs? Time to talk maturity assessments.
More at HelpMeWithHIPAA.com/206
The latest HIPAA violation settlement with OCR was announced recently. Ironically, the settlement with Touchstone Medical Imaging was for $3,000,000 and announced just after the reduction of maximum penalties was announced by HHS. Just how bad was this violation to get hit with this level of penalties plus the 2-year corrective action plan?
More at HelpMeWithHIPAA.com/205
Headlines everywhere are telling us all that the HIPAA penalties are being “slashed” or “capped” or “reduced”. What is the real story and what does it mean to the rest of us? Great time to talk about what you should consider if you think you will be facing any HIPAA penalties.
More info at HelpMeWithHIPAA.com/204
