By Paul Edwards bio What does your practice do about unused PTO from last year? Doctors and office managers often ask us questions like this: "My employees want to know if I will roll over or pay out unused PTO from last year. Am I legally obligated to do this?" This question is more complex than it sounds! First, this issue depends heavily on state laws, as federal … [Read more...] about PTO rollover: Is it required?
Risk management
Two female employees in a romantic relationship
Question: Two women who work at our practice have recently become romantically involved—with each other. My problem isn't with the fact that they are both women, but that they are coworkers. How should I handle the situation? Answer: Workplace romance is a difficult topic for a manager to broach because it seems as if it's an intrusion on employees' personal lives. On the … [Read more...] about Two female employees in a romantic relationship
Just days into the New Year and already 2 HIPAA fines
By Danika Brinda bio Well, HIPAA enforcement in 2017 is getting off to an active start. While 2016 saw a record year with 13 HIPAA Enforcement fines amounting to $23.5 million, the OCR has already published two HIPAA Enforcement fines amounting to $2.7 million just 19 days into the New Year. It is safe to assume that we are going to see another active year with … [Read more...] about Just days into the New Year and already 2 HIPAA fines
How would you grade your cybersecurity program?
DomainTools, a leader in domain name and DNS-based cyber threat intelligence, has released its 2017 Cybersecurity Report Card global research. Developed in conjunction with cybersecurity veteran Byron Acohido, the survey took place in December 2016 and polled more than 550 security analysts, IT managers, and executives working in healthcare, government, finance, retail, and … [Read more...] about How would you grade your cybersecurity program?
Pregnancy discrimination: don’t let good intentions get you in trouble
By Paul Edwards bio Chances are, you would never intentionally discriminate against a pregnant employee, and your doctor(s) and team probably feel the same way. But it can be easy to unintentionally discriminate. When it comes to pregnancy discrimination lawsuits, the road to court is usually paved with good intentions. Do all practices need to worry about … [Read more...] about Pregnancy discrimination: don’t let good intentions get you in trouble
Beware of HIPAA-related text messaging risks
The ease, speed, and efficiency of mobile device-based text messaging has made it a primary communications tool among doctors and other health care providers, covered entities, and business associates. But this convenience can also lead to security risks, cautions Melissa (Lisa) Thompson, a shareholder in national law firm LeClairRyan's Boston office. "Unless preventive … [Read more...] about Beware of HIPAA-related text messaging risks
22 questions a manager should ask before firing an employee
By Lynne Curry bio The final revenge of the fired employee: The manager makes an unwitting but critical mistake that unravels the firing decision or results in a painful payout to the employee. If you'd like to fire an employee without backfire, you need to consider good faith and just cause, then ask yourself twenty-two questions. Good faith Courts in … [Read more...] about 22 questions a manager should ask before firing an employee
Over 168,000 healthcare workers use illicit drugs, warns Novus Medical Detox Center
A new study out of Australia revealed that, on average, 37 healthcare professionals die each year from drug overdoses. Meanwhile, U.S. government surveys found that more than 168,000 healthcare and social assistance workers engage in illicit drug use each year. Between 2003 and 2013, Australian coroners documented 404 drug-related fatalities among healthcare professionals, … [Read more...] about Over 168,000 healthcare workers use illicit drugs, warns Novus Medical Detox Center
3 leading health organizations aim to reduce suicides by physicians, medical trainees
As increasing rates of stress, depression and fatigue fuel concern about physician well-being, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and Mayo Clinic recently launched an initiative to prevent physician and medical trainee suicides. "We want to be part of a national dialogue that addresses … [Read more...] about 3 leading health organizations aim to reduce suicides by physicians, medical trainees
Should your practice invest in medical billing software?
By Aiden Spencer bio There has been considerable debate among physicians about whether or not it is beneficial to get an EHR (electronic health record). If your practice is having this debate, let's evaluate the benefits and problems associated with an EHR and see if one is right for you. [Full disclosure: I have abundant experience in the field because I am working for a … [Read more...] about Should your practice invest in medical billing software?