The new Texas Data Privacy Law goes into effect on July 1, 2024. The law pertains to the collection and processing of consumers' online data and applies to healthcare companies, among others. This article explains some of the major points. A consumer can exercise their right to: Confirm whether a business is processing their personal data and be able to access their personal data Correct inaccuracies in their personal data, taking into account the nature of the personal data … [Read more...] about Effective July 1, 2023–The New Texas Data Privacy Law
Three Federal Health Privacy Rules including HIPPA to be reformed by HHS
U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) laws let providers share certain private information with patient family members and outside groups in emergencies; and now the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary Alex Azar confirmed that HHS will undertake an effort to reform federal health privacy rules, stating that "In the coming months, under the leadership of my deputy secretary, Eric Hargan, HHS will be releasing requests for information … [Read more...] about Three Federal Health Privacy Rules including HIPPA to be reformed by HHS
Texas Biometric Privacy Law restricts certain “biometric identifiers.” Only three states have laws regulating the collection and storage of Biometric data.
Healthcare is rapidly expanding the use of biometric information with hospitals utilizing fingerprinting to secure patient electronic data. Employers are also using the technology which debaters argue could compromise an individual’s right to privacy. However, new laws continue to create protection and security through the use of biometric information. “Biometrics” are biological measurements that cannot be replicated of individual biological patterns or characteristics such as fingerprints, … [Read more...] about Texas Biometric Privacy Law restricts certain “biometric identifiers.” Only three states have laws regulating the collection and storage of Biometric data.
HIPAA Notification From HHSC: Texas Vendor Loses Clients’ Personal Information. Breach may affect 1,842
The Health and Human Services Commission issue a notification about the accidental loss of protected personal information that include names, bank and health information, social security, addresses and other pertinent personal details. The breach may affect 1,842 people in the Texas. The box of forms containing client information was found beside an unsecured dumpster in Houston at the E. 40th St. complex, an Houston area eligibility office.The agency is examining this breach and an … [Read more...] about HIPAA Notification From HHSC: Texas Vendor Loses Clients’ Personal Information. Breach may affect 1,842
Social Media and Your Health Care Organization
A new study on social media and health care shows that more than 1, 200 hospitals participate on 4,200 social networking sites. Social media is changing the nature of healthcare interaction, and health care organizations that ignore this virtual environment may be missing opportunities to engage consumers. From a marketing perspective, health care organizations and small businesses should seize the opportunities to capitalize on social media. However, social media in health care is not … [Read more...] about Social Media and Your Health Care Organization
Institute of Medicine to Conduct Year-Long Study in HIT Safety
Under the HITECH Act of 2009, the Medicare and Medicaid electronic health record ("EHR") incentive programs provide a financial reward for the meaningful use of qualified, certified EHRs to achieve health and efficiency goals. In July, CMS announced regulations outlining the initial requirements that eligible health care providers must meet to demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology for the Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments program, which CMS will administer. Also in … [Read more...] about Institute of Medicine to Conduct Year-Long Study in HIT Safety
Court’s Texting Decision Shows Importance of Updated Policies
The United States Supreme Court considered an employer’s policies on e-mail and texting use in a decision issued on June 17. As reported previously in this blog, City of Ontario v. Quon raised the issue of whether a governmental employer who reviewed the content of text messages sent using an employer-provided pager had committed an unlawful search in violation of the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Quon was a SWAT team police officer who was issued a pager capable of sending and … [Read more...] about Court’s Texting Decision Shows Importance of Updated Policies
Employee Texting Case Goes to Supreme Court
On Monday April 19, the U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a case that has important implications for employers who provide cell phone texting and other electronic communications tools to their employees. This case serves as a reminder to all companies to take precautions with electronic communications and the corporate policies that surround them: 1) Be certain to have a corporate policy in place that clearly addresses use of e-mail, text messaging, voicemails, Internet chat, and other … [Read more...] about Employee Texting Case Goes to Supreme Court
Can You Spot the Red Flags of Medical Identity Theft? FTC Rule Enforcement Now Begins November 1, 2009
The Red Flags Rule, designed to prevent and detect identity theft, takes effect August 1. Health care providers should carefully review the Rule’s definitions, because you may be surprised at how many health professionals are considered “creditors†who must develop Identity Theft Prevention Programs. The Red Flags Rule, 16 CFR § 681, applies to “financial institutions†and “creditors.†However, if your patients are not paying for services at the time that they are received, then … [Read more...] about Can You Spot the Red Flags of Medical Identity Theft? FTC Rule Enforcement Now Begins November 1, 2009
