On October 28th, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency alerted hospital administrators and security researchers about a “credible threat” of cyberattacks to American hospitals. Four hundred American hospitals are being targeted in cyberattacks by the same Russian hackers whom American officials … Continue Reading
Costs for COVID Tests – The Buck Stops Where?
Widespread testing for the novel Coronavirus is generally recognized as an important tool in combating the spread of the virus. The World Health Organization is an advocate for broad testing, so as to better locate incidents of infection for purposes of isolation, caring, and tracking.
However, the cumulative cost for such testing is significant. In a study commissioned by the … Continue Reading
PA Health Care Practices and Facilities Should Modify Their COVID-19 Policies for New Travel Quarantine
On July 1, 2020, the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Gov. Wolf issued a 14-day quarantine recommendation for any individual returning to PA from any of 19 states. The Department expects to adjust the list from time to time to reflect the rise or decrease in COVID-19 cases in states around the country.
Health care practices and facilities should consider … Continue Reading
PA Dental Practices Permitted to Re-Open for Routine Cleanings
On June 3, 2020, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) issued revised Guidance permitting dental practices to re-open for non-urgent and non-emergent care, including, but not limited to, routine cleanings. Dentists around the State have been awaiting this green light from the DOH, as it has been difficult for practices to re-open without being able to perform routine cleanings.
The … Continue Reading
OSHA Revises its Guidance for Recording Work-Related COVID-19 Cases
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) generally requires employers to report and record workplace injuries. OSHA has published revised guidance regarding its recordkeeping requirements for employers. Beginning May 26, 2020 and until further notice, OSHA is requiring most employers with more than 10 employees to record work-related employee COVID-19 illnesses.
While this applies to many … Continue Reading
PA ASC Guidance Requires CLIA Certification for COVID-19 Testing
On May 23, 2020, the PA Department of Health (DOH) revised its guidance for ambulatory surgical facilities (ASFs) to require ASFs that intend to provide COVID-19 testing to patients and staff to hold the appropriate CLIA certification and state laboratory permit to perform such testing.
For specific information on what CLIA certification is required, please see the DOH’s guidance on … Continue Reading
OSHA Safety Considerations for Reopening Dental Practices during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is keenly aware of the need to protect employees of dental practices returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 11, 2020, OSHA issued an alert listing safety tips employers can follow to help protect dental industry workers from exposure to COVID-19. OSHA’s alert is consistent with the … Continue Reading
Heightened Cybersecurity Risks for Healthcare Organizations during COVID-19 Pandemic
In the midst of the COVID-19/Coronavirus Pandemic, cybercriminals are targeting healthcare organizations with phishing campaigns, ransomware, and other malicious acts that can adversely impact health information technology, medical response, and patient safety.
Recently, the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell issued an Advisory pertaining to such acts, which includes best practices for users and administrators of healthcare organizations to … Continue Reading
PA Medical and Dental Practices Permitted to Resume Elective Care with Limitations
***UPDATE: The PA DOH is now permitting dental practices to re-open for non-urgent or elective care. Please see our post summarizing the guidance here: PA Dental Practices Permitted to Re-Open for Routine Cleanings
In Guidance issued May 8, 2020 and May 9, 2020, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has now permitted medical and dental practices across the Commonwealth to … Continue Reading
New Jersey Announces Emergency Graduate Licensure Program to Grant Temporary Licenses to Health Care Practitioners
In an effort to meet the increased demand for health care professionals during the current state of emergency and public health emergency, on May 5, 2020, pursuant to DCA Administrative Order No. 2020-05 and DCA Waiver No. W-2020-09, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs announced its Emergency Graduate Licensure Program, established pursuant to a new law signed … Continue Reading