DNV to Return to Unannounced Surveys September 7
DNV Healthcare-accredited hospitals, critical access hospitals, and psychiatric hospitals should be aware that the accreditation organization is returning to unannounced, onsite surveys as of September 7.
More OSHA Scrutiny on Healthcare Organizations, Expanded Whistleblower Protections
In March, OSHA issued its Updated Interim Enforcement Response Plan for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The updates extend existing OSHA protections for workplace safety whistleblowers, explicitly stating those protections apply to those who report COVID-19 related violations at the workplace by creating a National Emphasis Program (NEP).
FDA Updates Recommendations on Reprocessing of Flexible Bronchoscopes
The FDA has issued new guidance on reprocessing flexible bronchoscopes that recommends using disposable versions of the device if there is increased risk of spreading infection or when reusable versions cannot be reprocessed.
OIG: Medicare Lacks Cybersecurity Oversight for Hospital-Based Networked Medical Devices
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report last week finding that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) survey protocol does not include requirements for networked device cybersecurity.
Coronavirus Pandemic Discouraging Academic Medical Center Faculty, Study Finds
The recent research article, which was published by JAMA Network Open, features survey data collected from more than 1,000 medical, graduate, and health professional school faculty at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas. The survey was conducted in September 2020.
Health Care Risk Management Week Resources From PSQH
As Health Care Risk Management Week wraps up, we want to call attention to the important work done by professionals as they identify potential risks and respond to adverse outcomes.
Locum Tenens Delivered Care During Pandemic
Nearly three-fourths (71%) of locum tenens physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), have treated COVID-19 patients, suggesting that locum tenens providers have played an important role in providing care during the pandemic, according to the survey, conducted by Staff Care, a national physician staffing firm and a subsidiary of AMN Healthcare.
The Chief Medical Officer’s Role in Addressing Health Equity
Hijinio Carreon, DO, was recently named to the newly created position of chief medical executive at the MercyOne health system. An emergency medicine physician, Carreon previously served as chief medical officer of MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center.
Check Your State’s Pandemic Plan to Make Sure 1135 Waivers Line Up Locally
Following the PHE’s initial declaration in March 2020 and several extensions, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra reauthorized the PHE declaration on April 21. By law, that means the declaration is good for another 90 days—in this case through July 20—unless otherwise stated by the secretary.
Current State of Healthcare Compliance Programs: 2021 Benchmark Survey Results
By SAI Global This report provides results from our 12th annual Healthcare Compliance Benchmark Survey, conducted by SAI Global in collaboration with Strategic Management Services, LLC. Richard P. Kusserow, former DHHS Inspector General, provided the analysis of the results. The survey’s objective was to understand the status and progress of compliance program development in the U.S. healthcare industry. The … Continued