August 24, 2022 When it’s time to clean out and organize that ole garage, you probably want to take time to make sure all your sensitive and sentimental items – files, photographs, etc. – are in the right spot before taking them to the dump. It should be no different when it comes to disposing of old devices or hard drives at the office that contain sensitive ePHI, yet practices continue to fail. In recent news, the OCR announced a settlement for a dermatology practice located in Massachusetts that failed to properly dispose of protected health information. As a result, the dermatology practice agreed to pay the hefty fine of $300,640 to the OCR and implement a Corrective Action Plan to resolve the investigation. It may be obvious that paper records require proper disposal – in most cases, shredding or recycling – so that the information cannot be read by the wrong parties. Despite this being common practice, the Massachusetts dermatology practice had PHI that was exposed. Improper disposal is even more common when it comes to disposing of electronic protected health information (ePHI) properly. It is critical that your practice understands how and where to dispose of PHI. But what exactly constitutes proper digital data disposal? Disposing of your PHI is not as simple as clicking the delete or trash button. If you do not completely delete these files from your devices, they can be recovered using high-tech software. The following are some thorough methods for properly disposing of PHI: There are lots of devices that could have been used to store PHI even though you would never realize they do. These devices include: Before you burn those electronic devices in a campfire, remember that HIPAA requires practices to keep PHI for at least 6 years, and maybe longer depending on your state. Devices containing data that is older than six years should be backed up before being wiped clean, and data should be encrypted while being kept. At the end of the day, whether it is boxes of important documents in your garage at home or PHI at your very own practice, it is critical to dispose of it properly and safely.
PROPS Center and Abyde partner to deliver HIPAA and OSHA compliance to dental practices
August 23, 2022 Industry-leading compliance solution provider, Abyde, announces its latest partnership with PROPS Center, offering a complete user-friendly compliance software solution to PROPS Center’s customers. The collaboration between Abyde and PROPS Center opens the door to assist PROPS Center customers with implementing easier compliance practices. By adding the combo of Abyde’s HIPAA and OSHA solutions to PROPS Center’s one-stop shop, customers will have access to more resources to enable them to focus on their patients. The partnership will assist Connecticut dental offices by meeting compliance standards, better securing their patients’ health data, establishing an overall business baseline for practices and setting safety and health standards for policies and procedures. Abyde’s new approach to HIPAA and OSHA compliance assists practices through necessary compliance standards such as the Security Risk Analysis (HIPAA), a Facility Risk Assessment (OSHA), training for doctors and employees, keeping track of safety and health with logs, managing Business Associate Agreements, dynamically generated policies and much more. As industry leaders, the software provides practices with the tools and assistance they need to achieve stress-free compliance. “We are thrilled to have PROPS Center join our partner network and be among the first to adopt our OSHA solution,” stated Matt DiBlasi, President of Abyde. “Given the importance of OSHA and HIPAA in the dentistry profession, putting the two together sets any practice up to dominate compliance. We look forward to sharing our knowledge and solution with PROPS Center customers for many years to come!” “PROPS Center is very excited to begin our strategic partnership with Abyde. This collaboration gives Connecticut oral health professionals the ability to protect their practices and be HIPAA and OSHA compliant,” said Kathlene Gerrity, Executive Director of The PROPS Center. About Abyde Abyde (Tampa, FL) is a technology company dedicated to revolutionizing compliance for medical professionals. Launched in January 2017, Abyde was formed with the idea that there could exist an easier, more cost-effective way for healthcare providers to comply with government-mandated HIPAA regulations. Since then, Abyde has recently launched our OSHA solution and is working hard every day to deliver the perfect compliance solution! For more information on Abyde visit abyde.com. About PROPS Center The PROPS Center was designed specifically to help small businesses adapt to the new environment that exists since COVID-19 ravaged our world. The landscape for businesses is vastly different – inflation, supply chain issues, work force shortages and increasing pressure to operate more effectively and efficiently. When you are trying to focus on your core business – whether that be healthcare or another sector – the details of running a business can detract from time spent with your patients, clients, customers. PROPS Center is here to support businesses by saving you that most valuable resource: your time. We have done the research, vetted the partners, worked the deals to get you the best possible products and services at a great price point. Our goal is to enable you to achieve maximum efficiency, reduce margins and find resources that will be responsive when you need them. Watch this site and follow us on social media because new partners are added regularly. We are excited to help you get back to work, and bring you confidence and peace of mind in finding smart solution to your business’ needs. And our ultimate goal is to save you time, ensure quality, and achieve that elusive work/life balance. Let us know how we are doing! Want a product or service not here? Please tell us. Looking for a better option in a specific category? Suggestions welcome! Frustrated by a service? We’d like to know. Thank you for taking a look at the PROPS Center and utilizing the services offered by our growing roster of partners. Read the full press release here.
ABB OneBill and Abyde partner to deliver HIPAA compliance to eye care professionals
August 1, 2022 Industry-leading compliance solution provider Abyde announces their latest partnership with ABB OneBill, offering a complete user-friendly HIPAA program to ABB OneBill’s members. Abyde is delighted to announce its new collaboration with ABB OneBill. The Abyde software solution is the easiest way for any sized eye care practice to implement and sustain comprehensive HIPAA compliance programs. We offer ground-breaking software that assists optometrists in prioritizing their compliance processes. In addition to our cutting-edge software solution, Abyde provides live Master Classes and exceptionally qualified HIPAA specialists to assist ABB customers in expanding their industry understanding. Abyde’s revolutionary approach to HIPAA compliance guides practices through mandatory HIPAA requirements such as the Security Risk Analysis, HIPAA training for doctors and staff, managing Business Associate Agreements, dynamically generated policies, and more. As industry leaders, the software equips practices with the tools and support necessary to experience stress-free compliance. “We are thrilled to welcome ABB OneBill to our network of partners,” said Matt DiBlasi, President of Abyde. “We have extensive experience in the eye care space and look forward to sharing our expertise with the members of ABB OneBill for years to come!” “Abyde gives our members a truly user-friendly approach to HIPAA compliance,” said Jill Stephenson, head of vendor partnerships at ABB OneBill. “Members will love the friendly user-interface, step-by-step questions, and timely reminders. Abyde also provides personalized HIPAA documentation and forms, historical tracking and support in the event of an audit, and more. Plus, we appreciate Abyde’s support of our member education. Our team is delighted to partner with Abyde and as our members come to know Abyde and their platform, we believe they will feel the same way.” About Abyde Abyde (Tampa, FL) is a technology company dedicated to revolutionizing HIPAA compliance for medical professionals. Launched in January 2017, Abyde was formed with the idea that there could exist an easier, more cost-effective way for healthcare providers to comply with government-mandated HIPAA regulations. For more information on Abyde visit abyde.com. About ABB OneBill About ABB OneBill: Founded in 1984 by a small group of private optometrists, ABB OneBill is a division of ABB OPTICAL GROUP focused on enhancing the independent professional optometrist’s ability to compete in a rapidly changing marketplace. This includes providing a consolidated billing service, favorable purchasing arrangements, vendor discounts and programs, business management and marketing support, quality educational programs for practitioners and staff, medical billing services via a 3rd party, and other support services as requested by members. For more information, visit AbbOneBill.com. Read the full press release here.