Mobile technology, arguably, allows for greater efficiency and better communication. But, for the manager of a medical office, it also creates challenges. Staff who work remotely, even occasionally, may inadvertently share confidential information via unsecure networks when using smartphones and tablets, as well as personal laptops and notebook computers. Patient … [Read more...] about Staff and remote access: more than patient information is at risk
Risk management
Your office’s social media policy: dangerous if not done right
By Paul Edwards bio Many medical practices don't realize their social media policy is a crisis waiting to happen. In three recent, real-life cases, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) found employers' actions to be unlawful when they disciplined or terminated employees who did the following: Employee A: Used a social media account to accuse the … [Read more...] about Your office’s social media policy: dangerous if not done right
Protect yourself legally and physically when you fire a staffer
Besides being unpleasant, firing a staffer is dangerous. There are two concerns, says employment law attorney Denise I. Murphy of Rubin and Rudman in Boston. Of first importance is the physical safety of the manager and everybody else in the office. Of second importance is legal safety. The manager has to minimize the risk of a claim of wrongful termination, discrimination, … [Read more...] about Protect yourself legally and physically when you fire a staffer
Grief in termination is real
By Steve M. Cohen bio Unfortunately, you sometimes have to terminate someone. It's also unfortunate that this sometimes doesn't go well. That results in significant stress and related problems on both sides. Fortunately, an awareness of the emotional impact of termination can help you work with the soon-to-be terminated employee to make parting, and any … [Read more...] about Grief in termination is real
When to call an HR expert for help
As a medical office manager, you typically handle day-to-day human resources responsibilities and likely feel comfortable in this role, at least most of the time. Yet, there are times when expert assistance would be welcomed or even seems required. The question is: How do you know when you need the help of an expert? Going it alone Among the various HR responsibilities, several … [Read more...] about When to call an HR expert for help
Government fines present real threat for medical practices
By Steve M. Cohen bio I've been told I sometimes sound suspicious of government agencies. But consider this: Most state human rights commissions and the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) get some of their money to operate from the fines and penalties they issue against employers. Every week, state and federal organizations slap businesses … [Read more...] about Government fines present real threat for medical practices
Workplace issues complicated by combinations
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen The challenge of government regulation for owners and managers is tough enough, but it can often be increased when multiple issues are overlaid to create something even worse. I had a client who faced a good example. The office had an employee who was personally offensive. Combined with his poor hygiene, he was often inappropriate and even creepy. Not … [Read more...] about Workplace issues complicated by combinations
Whistleblowers have more protection than you think
By Steve M. Cohen bio If you remember Edward Snowden, you might think that being a whistleblower is not a good thing. Snowden revealed a secret U.S. surveillance program that allegedly spied on U.S. citizens. After his revelations were made public, Snowden applied for political asylum in more than a dozen countries, seeking safety from espionage charges in the … [Read more...] about Whistleblowers have more protection than you think
Avoid these 5 deadly employment law traps
When someone is fired and can't get hired elsewhere, a claim against the former employer is an attractive way to generate more than a little income. Here are five danger spots where managers need to exercise special care. 1 Give me a reference and I won't sue Don't give a bad-news departing staffer a good reference in exchange for an agreement not to sue. The nightmare … [Read more...] about Avoid these 5 deadly employment law traps
Model Form: ABC Medical Office use of social media for pre-employment screening
Why you need this assessment: Information collected about individual job applicants is considered personal information subject to privacy laws, regardless of whether the information is publicly available online. You need to consider these privacy risks you face before using social media sites like Facebook to gather personal information about job applicants. How this … [Read more...] about Model Form: ABC Medical Office use of social media for pre-employment screening