All
RSSArticles
-
Unexplained Pediatric Hepatitis Cases Detected Globally
As of May 5, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was investigating 109 children with hepatitis of unknown origin across 25 states and territories. More than half of them have tested positive for adenovirus.
-
Joint Commission Surveys in the Time of COVID-19
How far is The Joint Commission behind on healthcare accreditation surveys? By the end of June 2022, they expect to be caught up with scheduled inspections — for 2021. However, the accrediting body for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is gamely moving forward, using virtual technology for some facilities, and conducting on-site inspections at hospitals.
-
Bad to the Bone: Huge TB Outbreak Traced to One Donor
A massive Mycobacterium tuberculosis outbreak spread to 81 bone tissue recipients in 20 states, leading to multiple patient deaths and 73 latent infections in healthcare workers, investigators with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report.
-
OSHA Urged to Break with CDC in Finalizing COVID-19 Regulation
Despite pleas for flexibility by infection control groups, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is being urged by one of its more prominent former directors to adopt a tough standard that emphasizes airborne precautions to protect healthcare workers from COVID-19.
-
Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a common cause of presentation to the emergency department. There is a wide array of clinical presentations and causes of LGIB. This article will focus mainly on acute LGIB, including small bowel bleeding, in the adult patient.
-
OCR Researching How Covered Entities Implement Security Practices
OCR recently released a request for information soliciting public comment on how regulated entities are voluntarily implementing security practices under the HITECH Act. It also is seeking public input on sharing funds collected through enforcement with individuals who are harmed via HIPAA violations. -
Breach Report Reveals 61% Increase in Breaches Affecting 500+
OCR recently submitted a report to Congress setting forth the HIPAA breaches and complaints reported in 2020 as well as the enforcement actions taken by OCR. For 2020, OCR reported 656 notifications of breaches affecting 500 or more individuals, 66,509 notifications of breaches affecting fewer than 500 individuals, and 27,182 complaints alleging violations of HIPAA and the HITECH Act. -
Failure to Perform Sterilization Leads to Unwanted Pregnancy, Litigation
This case presents lessons about consent, notice, and records issues as well as interesting aspects of damages for this rather unique malpractice action. This case is a twist on consent and notice whereby the patient wanted a procedure, requested it, paid for it, and believed she received it. -
Allegations of Failure to Diagnose Resulting in Toddler’s Death Sufficient for Malpractice
This case reveals a common theme in medical malpractice actions: the critical importance of expert witnesses and testimony. As often is the case, both sides presented testimony from expert witnesses — qualified physicians who would support the actions taken by the respective side in the prosecution or defense of the litigation.
-
Stress-Related Disorders in Primary Care
More than 80% of U.S. adults can expect to experience a traumatic event during their lifetime. Traumatic events are major risk factors for the development of various chronic diseases, including mental disorders, such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, complex post-traumatic stress disorder (a newly recognized condition), substance use disorders, and chronic medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disorders, obesity, and autoimmune disorders. Implementing universal trauma-informed practice strategies and techniques can assist in addressing these situations in a timely and clinically appropriate manner.