Mel Soliz Shares Insight on Reproductive Health Care Rule Compliance Changes with Healthcare Risk Management

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently updated the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule to strengthen protections for reproductive health care information. The compliance deadline in December 23, 2024. Partner Mel Soliz was featured in a recent article for Healthcare Risk Management, discussing the complexity of implementing these regulations. A nationally recognized attorney in health data interoperability and privacy, Mel advises a wide range of organizations in designing and implementing health information technologies and big data sharing arrangements. Her expertise is sought by health systems, health plans, and tech companies. She is President of the Arizona Society of Healthcare Attorneys and is regularly lauded by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers, BTI Client Service All Stars, and Southwest Super Lawyers. Read the...

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Katherine Hyde & Mel Soliz Share Insights on Substance Use Disorder Record Changes with Healthcare Risk Management

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently modified regulations for substance use disorder (SUD) patient records (see 42 CFR Part 2 or Part 2), making it more important than ever for health care organizations and providers to ensure they’re prepared to meet the new requirements. In a recent article for Healthcare Risk Management, Katherine Hyde and Mel Soliz explain the changes and their impact. These revisions aim to better align the Part 2 regulations with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The new Part 2 enforcement and penalty structure will include both criminal and civil penalties and will require Part 2 programs to report unauthorized uses and disclosures of SUD records in violation of Part 2 to individuals, HHS, and in...

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Attorney Katherine Hyde Lends Insights on Prepping for HIPAA Changes in Healthcare Risk Management

Though the proposed modifications to HIPAA have been delayed until 2024, it’s crucial for covered entities to be well prepared before changes become official. To provide expert insights on changes designed to boost transparency and collaboration in the healthcare sector, Healthcare Risk Management turned to Katherine Hyde to comment on the upcoming changes.    In the article, “Plan Now for Eventual HIPAA Changes,” Katherine explained what important modifications to expect— the final rule will likely expand support for care coordination and case management, and it’s expected to strengthen individuals’ right of access to PHI. Some other changes would reduce the burden on covered entities as well.   When the Department of Health and Human Services finalizes the proposed modifications, covered entities will need to review their compliance policies...

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Kristen Rosati Addresses Potential COVID-19 HIPAA Violations in Healthcare Risk Management

The COVID-19 pandemic brought increased risk of HIPAA violations, and Healthcare Risk Management turned to Kristen Rosati to help readers understand where they might go astray. In the article, “COVID-19 Changes HIPAA Compliance, But Caution Necessary,” Kristen discussed a possible rise in curiosity viewing. She shared how health care personnel members may want to know if a patient has tested positive for COVID-19, even if they aren’t treating the patient, or may be tempted to look up the records of family members, friends or neighbors. Kristen emphasized personnel should look at a patient’s record only for valid treatment reasons.   Kristen is considered one of the nation’s leading “Big Data” and HIPAA compliance attorneys. With extensive experience in data sharing for research, clinical integration and artificial intelligence initiatives, clinical research compliance, and biobanking...

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Melissa Soliz Discusses Information Blocking in SHIEC Webinar Series

Melissa Soliz Provides Guidance on HIPAA Compliance Training in Healthcare Risk Management Article

Even well-prepared health care organizations can experience HIPAA breaches. In an article for Healthcare Risk Management, Melissa Soliz shared tips on how organizations can effectively communicate HIPAA compliance requirements to employees, providing real-life examples of do’s and don’ts.  Melissa focuses on HIPAA and 42 C.F.R. Part 2 compliance, compliance with opioid treatment laws and regulations, health information exchange (including compliance with new information blocking rules), data breaches and OCR investigations, as well as clinical research compliance and contracting. Read the full article here. ...

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