A large Colorado clinic has started allowing staff to work from home. But unlike most employers, it doesn't view telecommuting as a way to reduce overhead. Instead, the clinic uses it to accommodate staffers who would otherwise have to take extended time off. And it's picky about who can take advantage of it. The clinic introduced telecommuting after one staffer's child became … [Read more...] about For a Colorado clinic, telecommuting fills the gap in long-term absences
Compliance
PTO rollover: Is it required?
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?
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
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
So, now what? How a Trump presidency will impact your office and the ACA
Needless to say, the election of Donald Trump will have major ramifications on the entire health care industry. But while changes are a certainty, it is far from clear what and how dramatic they will be, especially with regard to "Obamacare," aka the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Although we do not have a crystal ball, based on what we know and what we are hearing from our … [Read more...] about So, now what? How a Trump presidency will impact your office and the ACA
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?
The new overtime rules are put on hold. What does that mean for you?
By Mike O'Brien bio As most of you know by now, I'm sure, the United States Department of Labor (DOL) has finalized a new Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) rule that, among other things, raises the minimum salary threshold required to qualify for a "white collar" overtime pay exemption to $47,476 per year, which is $913 per week. This basically doubles the minimum salary … [Read more...] about The new overtime rules are put on hold. What does that mean for you?
Model Section 1557 Civil Rights Grievance Procedure
Why you need this model policy and procedure: Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires covered entities to adopt safeguards to avoid discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in certain health programs and activities. One of those safeguards, which is set out in Section 92.7(b) of the ACA final rule, is to establish a … [Read more...] about Model Section 1557 Civil Rights Grievance Procedure