Cybersecurity is a top compliance concern according to a survey of compliance professionals conducted by Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA) and the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE). In January 2016, HCCA and SCCE surveyed 900 individuals, suggesting 38 potential compliance issues and asking them to pick no more than 10 in answer to the question: "What … [Read more...] about Cybersecurity and social media top compliance concerns
Risk management
Race and religion are tough. Don’t make them tougher
By Steve M. Cohen bio Let's face it: Race and religion can be difficult topics. Next to gender and sexuality, they often comprise a big part of how we see ourselves and, not surprisingly, how others see us. That's obviously true today. Disagreements, even violent confrontations, are occurring around the world every day over these very topics. Not surprisingly, … [Read more...] about Race and religion are tough. Don’t make them tougher
Office bullies are bad, really
By Steve M. Cohen bio First it was labeled a schoolyard problem, then a big issue throughout schools and colleges. Then bullying was discovered in the workplace. First it was overbearing owners and managers. Then we discovered that it was also possible for employees to bully other employees. Don't misunderstand me; these are serious and ongoing problems. Bullying in … [Read more...] about Office bullies are bad, really
Model Policy: Conflict of interest policy for romantically involved employees
Why you need this policy: Romantically involved employees can cause personnel and legal problems for your medical office. How this policy helps you: Protect your medical office from harm that can result when employees date their coworkers. How to use this policy: Read this policy to understand how it relates to your office. Insert the name of your company. … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Conflict of interest policy for romantically involved employees
Office efficiency, profit often depend on surprising issues
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen Once upon a time, medical offices could count on such a solid, even lucrative income stream that some minor problems, even considerable costs, could be accepted. That's not been true for a long time. Increasingly complex and intrusive regulation, rising insurance costs, and an increasingly litigious environment are now accompanied by reduced and delayed … [Read more...] about Office efficiency, profit often depend on surprising issues
No matter the century, humans are still human
By Steve M. Cohen bio I'm often amused by people who talk about how we are now past problems that have plagued humanity for centuries. Now that we're well into the 21st century, they predict we can stop focusing so much on things like racism and sexual harassment. Certainly, some things are better today. As a group, we no longer accept certain behaviors, at least … [Read more...] about No matter the century, humans are still human
Get ready for HIPAA breach before it happens
HIPAA requires you have breach notification policies and procedures to ensure proper handling of a breach of unsecured protected health information (PHI). Do you have breach notification policies and procedures that comply with HIPAA, including the most recent changes that went into effect in 2013? Are you training your staff about how to handle suspected breaches? If not, you … [Read more...] about Get ready for HIPAA breach before it happens
What to do when a doctor harasses staffers but no one complains
Q: One of our doctors continuously makes inappropriate remarks to the staff. He thinks the remarks are funny. The staff don't complain, but what's said is obviously inappropriate. Everyone likes the doctor, and the other doctors want to keep him on staff. They have counseled him, but he continues. What should we do? A: No office can afford to turn a blind eye to sexual … [Read more...] about What to do when a doctor harasses staffers but no one complains
Battle for a safe workplace continues to evolve
By Steve M. Cohen bio In case anyone wondered, the battle to counter workplace harassment and violence is definitely intensifying. In 2005, a physician killed a nurse who he worked with at a hospital. It was later learned that the murder followed a long history of harassment by the doctor. Worse, the hospital management had known of these incidents. But at that … [Read more...] about Battle for a safe workplace continues to evolve
Dealing with winter weather
As winter weather arrives with force in many parts of the country, it brings a reminder of the impact snowstorms have on businesses both large and small. Winter storms cause frustration for business owners, management, and HR professionals as they deal with the disruption each new snowflake brings. Inclement weather related issues include early school closings and the … [Read more...] about Dealing with winter weather