Archive for May 22nd, 2022

HIPAA Misconceptions, Interoperability, Information Blocking

HIPAA Misconceptions, Interoperability, Information Blocking

Since HIPAA was signed into law more than 25 years ago, misconceptions surrounding its purpose, reach, and limitations have persisted. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated those misconceptions—multiple public figures cited HIPAA as a reason not to share their vaccination status. As a result, the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released guidance emphasizing that HIPAA strictly applies to covered entities. OCR stressed that despite common misconceptions, the HIPAA Privacy Rule does not prohibit any individual, business, or […]

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Safely Dispose of Used Medical Sharps & Household Needles

Safely Dispose of Used Medical Sharps & Household Needles

When it comes to disposing used household needles or medical sharps, safety is the point. Every day, millions of people around the United States use needles, lancets and syringes – otherwise known as medical sharps – to manage health conditions like diabetes, arthritis, cancer or auto-immune diseases from the comfort of their own homes or while on the go. Some commonly used medical sharps include: Medical Sharps: fine, slender, hollow pieces of metal, typically attached […]

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Sharps Disposal: Using a Bin in a Central Accumulation Area

Sharps Disposal: Using a Bin in a Central Accumulation Area

If your facility generates waste in the form of needles or other sharps, you likely have a need for sharps disposal in a central accumulation area (CAA). Can they stay in their red biohazard bins with a label? Read on to see how regulatory experts at Enviro.BLR.com answered this question around proper sharps disposal. OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard We do not know of any regulations that would prohibit moving red biohazard bins containing sharps to […]

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Infectious Waste from Hospitals Flowed Illegally to Landfill

Infectious Waste from Hospitals Flowed Illegally to Landfill

State inspectors found bloody bandages, leaking infectious waste and other infectious garbage at unapproved South Carolina landfills and transfer stations last year, sparking concerns about contamination and prompting a series of fines against four hospitals. Fines totaling $143,400 were issued against three Charleston-area hospitals and one in Conway for the medical waste violations, according to records released this week. Two of the hospitals, Roper and Bon Secours St. Francis in Charleston, generated $104,000 of the […]

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