The Story of Health Specialists of Central Florida

Unpacking a HIPAA Compliance Case:

When it comes to understanding HIPAA compliance, real-life scenarios can provide invaluable insights. A recent case involving Health Specialists of Central Florida Inc (HSCF), a small-scale hospital in Orlando, Florida, serves as a prime example.

HSCF encountered a significant challenge with HIPAA compliance, resulting in a $20,000 fine due to a breach of the HIPAA Right of Access. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) initiated an investigation following a complaint lodged on November 22, 2019. The issue arose when a woman was denied her deceased father’s medical records, a clear breach of HIPAA regulations. Do you need help ensuring your organization doesn’t face a similar breach? Check out our HIPAA software solutions.

Decoding the HIPAA Breach

As per the HIPAA Right of Access, healthcare providers are obligated to provide a copy of requested health records within 30 days. While a 30-day extension can be granted in certain scenarios, it was not applicable in this case. The OCR concluded that the delay was a breach of HIPAA regulations. Do you need a consultation to better understand these regulations? Ask our expert.

Consequences and Key Takeaways

Due to being not compliant with the HIPAA regulations, HSCF was penalized with a $20,000 fine. They also agreed to a corrective action plan, which involves the development, implementation, and maintenance of policies and procedures in line with the HIPAA Privacy Rule. These policies will be disseminated among the staff, and appropriate training will be provided. Moreover, OCR will monitor HSCF for the next two years.

This case underscores the importance of HIPAA compliance for healthcare providers, regardless of their size. It highlights the potential repercussions of non-compliance and emphasizes the need for robust HIPAA compliance training.

OCR’s Perspective on HIPAA Right of Access

Melanie Fontes Rainer, the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, stressed that the Right of Access is a fundamental aspect of HIPAA. The OCR takes breaches of this rule very seriously and will continue to enforce it rigorously. Since the inception of the HIPAA Right of Access initiative by OCR in late 2019, healthcare providers have paid over $2,423,650 in fines for 42 violations, with individual fines ranging from $3,500 to $240,000.

Healthcare Breakthrough: Leqembi, a Novel Alzheimer’s Drug

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, innovation is always at the forefront. A recent breakthrough is the FDA approval of Leqembi, a new drug for Alzheimer’s. This is the first antibody treatment for Alzheimer’s to receive full FDA approval. Additionally, Medicare announced its coverage for this treatment, marking a significant milestone in Alzheimer’s treatment! For more details, explore the full story of the new Alzheimer’s drug here.

Healthcare Trends: The Overreach of “Bed Rotting”

Healthcare trends can sometimes take unexpected turns. A recent example is the new TikTok trend of self-care, which has been taken to an extreme with “bed rotting.” After people began advocating for slowing down and taking much needed time to rest and recharge, like most trends it has gone too far. People have started to spend an excessive amount of time in bed posting themselves snuggled under layers of blankets. Professionals have now deemed this bed rotting. To read more about this trend, click here.

HIPAA and Genetic Information: A Closer Look

HIPAA is a comprehensive legislation that covers various aspects of healthcare information. One of the lesser-known provisions of HIPAA is the protection of genetic information. Under the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), which is incorporated into HIPAA, health insurers and employers are prohibited from using genetic information to discriminate against individuals.

Genetic information includes details about an individual’s genetic tests, genetic tests of their family members, and the manifestation of diseases or disorders in their family members. GINA prevents health insurance companies from using genetic information to deny coverage, adjust premiums, or make other discriminatory decisions related to health insurance.

In addition, GINA prohibits employers from using genetic information in employment-related decisions, such as hiring, firing, promotions, or job assignments. It ensures that individuals are not subject to discrimination based on their genetic information in the workplace.

These provisions highlight the importance of protecting genetic privacy and preventing discrimination based on an individual’s genetic makeup. HIPAA’s inclusion of GINA demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding sensitive genetic information and promoting equal treatment and opportunities for individuals in healthcare and employment settings.

Upcoming Events: The #1 Compliance Toolkit for Independent Medical Practices

The #1 Compliance Toolkit for Independent Medical Practices

Mark your calendars for July 20th at 12:15 pm CDT. We’re hosting a webinar on the #1 Compliance Toolkit for Independent Medical Practices. This is a must-attend event for anyone involved in healthcare compliance. Register for the webinar here.

Join industry leaders, Carosh Compliance Solutions and Venops, Inc., for a highly informative webinar. Gain insights on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (#HHS) Office of the Inspector General’s (#OIGs) List of Excluded Individuals and Entities (#LEIE), a key element often overlooked, but increasingly enforced in recent times. Learn about the reasons for exclusions, who should be checked, how often, and how to avoid penalties. This webinar is vital for anyone associated with independent medical practices participating in Medicare, Medicaid, or any other Federal health care programs.

A Round of Applause For…

Sally Norman, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist 👏

We’re delighted to announce that Dr. Sally Norman, a licensed psychologist, has renewed her contract with Carosh. She continues to prioritize her patients’ privacy and is highly engaged in every aspect of her program and with keeping up with the regulations. Learn more about Dr. Norman’s work and her commitment to HIPAA compliance on her LinkedIn profile.