In May, we expect to see the release of the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Edition, for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics (ICD-11-MMS) by the World Health Organization. Work will then begin in the U.S. to adapt it for our clinical use as ICD-11-CM. Hopefully, with the benefit of foresight and lessons learned from the past, we will not reenact the pain we all had with the ICD-10-CM/PCS implementation.
Given it’s time for New Year’s resolutions—and my resolution is to work smarter, not harder—it seems appropriate to talk about techniques for bringing balance back into our lives.
Project REFRESH brought the deletion of many standards and elements of performance (EP), and you will see even more changes beginning in January. This column will also review the changes to the Evidence of Standards Compliance (ESC) corrective action plan for Requirements for Improvement (RFI) that must be submitted after a survey.
HIPAA compliance and enforcement saw its share of highs and lows in 2017. As the year comes to a close, it’s a good time to look back on what your organization has learned—in terms of personal growth and lessons gleaned from other organizations.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration released updates to the Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records regulations.
Q: Is it a HIPAA concern if a patient and/or visitor takes photos or videos in which other patients, intentionally or not, appear? Are we required to forbid or prevent patients and visitors from taking photos or filming? If so, where is this requirement specified?
21st Century Oncology, a national network of cancer providers headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida, came under scrutiny by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) earlier this year. In December, the organization agreed to a $26 million settlement with the DOJ and a $2.3 million settlement with OCR. 21st Century Oncology filed for bankruptcy in May.
