April 2023

Tampa Bay Business Journal Best Places to Work 2023
Abyde News

Abyde Wins “Best Places to Work 2023” Award by Tampa Bay Business Journal

April 28, 2023 Comments Off on Abyde Wins “Best Places to Work 2023” Award by Tampa Bay Business Journal

April 28, 2023 CLEARWATER, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES, April 28, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Abyde Wins “Best Places to Work 2023” Award by Tampa Bay Business Journal Abyde, a leading provider of healthcare compliance solutions, is proud to announce that it has been named one of the “Best Places to Work” in 2023 by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. This prestigious recognition celebrates the company’s commitment to fostering a supportive and innovative work environment for its employees while continually driving growth and success in the healthcare compliance industry. Abyde’s dedication to creating a positive company culture and outstanding work environment has been instrumental in its ability to attract and retain top talent in the industry. This focus on employee satisfaction, combined with the company’s innovative products and services, has contributed to Abyde’s rapid growth and success in the healthcare compliance market. “We are incredibly honored to receive this award from the Tampa Bay Business Journal,” said Matt DiBlasi, President and Co-Founder. “Our team is the driving force behind Abyde’s success, and we firmly believe that investing in our employees’ well-being, professional development, and overall satisfaction is crucial to achieving our mission of simplifying healthcare compliance for providers and practices nationwide.” The “Best Places to Work” award is determined through an extensive evaluation process, which includes surveying employees about their experiences at work, assessing company culture, and considering various workplace policies and benefits. The Tampa Bay Business Journal has recognized Abyde as an exceptional employer due to its focus on employee empowerment, competitive compensation packages, and comprehensive benefits, which include health insurance, paid time off, professional development opportunities, and flexible work arrangements. As part of its commitment to fostering a thriving company culture, Abyde prioritizes giving back to the local community. The company supports various philanthropic initiatives, including volunteering, fundraising, and donating resources to local non-profit organizations. About Abyde Abyde is a leading provider of healthcare compliance solutions, helping medical practices and healthcare providers across the United States navigate complex regulatory requirements with ease. Through its innovative software and personalized support, Abyde empowers healthcare organizations to maintain compliance, streamline operations, and focus on what matters most – providing exceptional patient care. For more information, visit www.abyde.com. Abyde Marketing+ +1 800-594-0883marketing@abyde.comVisit us on social media:FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

Winning Strategy for HIPAA
HIPAA

Draft Your Compliance Dream Team: Abyde’s Winning Strategy for HIPAA, OSHA, and NFL-inspired Success

April 28, 2023 Comments Off on Draft Your Compliance Dream Team: Abyde’s Winning Strategy for HIPAA, OSHA, and NFL-inspired Success

April 28, 2023 Is it draft season already? NFL teams have been stressing daily to boost their lineups and prepare for the upcoming season. With the NFL draft officially underway, teams risk their future success with unproven prospects. Why take a risk? Maybe they have identified a position that isn’t as strong as another, or perhaps they are looking into future potential. At Abyde, we take all the stress and guesswork out of compliance. Whether it’s HIPAA or OSHA, we’ve got you covered. Just like in the NFL, we also have a starting lineup. The Security Rule establishes national standards for protecting electronic PHI (ePHI). Covered entities and their business associates must implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect ePHI from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. So how do we save you? Like a good offensive center, our Security Risk Analysis will adapt to your practice’s needs and uncover potential risks. After taking this assessment, we will generate a Scorecard for the practice. Look at this as your playsheet. We will guide you through your high, medium, and low-risk items and even give you the ability to update any answer with the click of a button. There’s no “I” in a team, so what else is a part of our starting lineup? HIPAA Privacy Rule sets national standards for the protection of PHI. Covered entities and their business associates must ensure that they protect the privacy of patient’s PHI and provide patients with specific rights regarding their PHI, such as the right to access and correct their health records. Do you have Business Associate Agreements in place? How about policies and procedures for your practice? Abyde’sSecurity Risk Analysis will help dynamically generate your practice’s specific documentation. Like a good teammate, this will help guide you through you to ensure a culture of compliance within the office. Think we forgot about OSHA? There are also standards that the government requires practices to follow, which include Hazard Communication Standard, Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, and Personal Protective Equipment Standard, to name a few. So how do you keep pushing downfield while these standards set their sights on you? Abyde’s Facility Risk Assessment (FRA) and Emergency Action Plan (EAP) have your blindside like a hall-of-fame left tackle protecting you and your practice with insight on ensuring a safe and healthy workplace. In addition, the FRA establishes a game plan for the future. Abyde’s revolutionary software also provides specific employee training for the above standards. With Abyde, your documented compliance solution will protect you better than a Pro Bowl lineman! So, hopefully, your team – errr, practice – will make the right decisions this year, both on and off the field!

HR For Health Partnership
Partner News

HR for Health and Abyde announce partnership to provide compliance solutions to healthcare practices nationwide

April 26, 2023 Comments Off on HR for Health and Abyde announce partnership to provide compliance solutions to healthcare practices nationwide

April 26, 2023   CLEARWATER, FL, UNITED STATES, April 25, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ — Abyde, a leader in HIPAA and OSHA compliance education and software solutions for independent healthcare practices, has partnered with HR for Health, a leading HR and compliance software solutions provider for healthcare organizations. Together, Abyde and HR for Health will deliver industry-leading education and resources to help mutual customers understand their roles and responsibilities to implement and sustain a successful compliance program. The Abyde software solution is the easiest way for any sized independent practice to implement and sustain comprehensive HIPAA and OSHA compliance programs. Already used by thousands of practices across the country, Abyde’s revolutionary approach guides practices through mandatory compliance requirements such as risk management programs, training for doctors and staff, customized policy documentation, and more. As industry leaders, the software provides practices with the tools and assistance they need to achieve stress-free compliance. “We are excited to partner with HR for Health to provide our industry with the resources they need to maintain compliance,” said Matt DiBlasi, President of Abyde. “Our software solution combined with HR for Health’s expertise in HR and compliance will offer healthcare practices a comprehensive and cost-effective solution to their compliance needs.” HR for Health is a leading provider of HR compliance solutions and services for healthcare organizations. With a team of experienced HR professionals, HR for Health offers a range of services, including HR advising, software automation, compliance assessments, employee handbooks, and more. Their focus is helping healthcare practices navigate complex employment laws and regulations, allowing practice owners to focus on providing quality patient care. Ali Oromchian, JD. LL.M., CEO, and Co-Founder of HR for Health, states, “The healthcare industry faces complex regulatory requirements, and it’s important for practices to have access to effective compliance tools. Abyde’s software solution combined with HR for Health’s expertise in HR and compliance creates a powerful partnership for our customers.” About AbydeAbyde (Tampa, FL) is a technology company dedicated to revolutionizing HIPAA and OSHA compliance for medical professionals. Launched in January 2017, Abyde was formed with the idea that an easier, more cost-effective way for healthcare providers to comply with government-mandated regulations could exist. For more information on Abyde, visit abyde.com. For more information, press only: Abyde Marketing, marketing@abyde.com About HR for HealthHR for Health is a cloud-based human resource software designed to work alongside medical and dental practice owners and HR professionals. The all-in-one HR compliance solution was launched in 2011 by Ali Oromchian, JD. LL.M., a nationally-recognized authority on employment and labor law. HR for Health has helped over 50,000 users stay compliant with complex HR laws and regulations. HR for Health’s software is dedicated to minimizing legal risk and improving employee performance. For more information about HR for Health, please visit HRforHealth.com or email PR@hrforhealth.com Abydeemail us hereVisit us on social media:FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

ChatGPT and HIPAA
Best Practices, Cybersecurity, HIPAA

ChatGPT & HIPAA: A Quick Guide on What You Need to Know

April 26, 2023 Comments Off on ChatGPT & HIPAA: A Quick Guide on What You Need to Know

April 26, 2023 If you haven’t heard about ChatGPT over the last few months, you might still be Googling everything!  ChatGPT launched in November 2022 and has taken the internet by storm.  Developed by OpenAI, using artificial intelligence (AI) technology, it can have human-like conversations while giving you all the details of whatever you may ask it. So we haven’t seen it be able to make you dinner just yet. Still, it has successfully written computer programming, passed a series of different exams, and written entire feature-length articles. (Wow, I feel like a doting parent!) AI language models are transforming how we approach everyday tasks or complete major projects, and the healthcare industry has even jumped on board the ChatGPT train.  ChatGPT has assisted in scheduling appointments, treatment plan assistance, patient education, medical coding, and more!  While this all sounds exciting and has the opportunity to improve patient care, protecting your patient’s data when using these types of tools will be imperative and should be approached with caution.  So what are some of the red flags to be aware of when it comes to HIPAA compliance: • At this time, OpenAI does not sign a Business Associate Agreement. Therefore, it is not HIPAA compliant. HIPAA regulations require that covered entities only share PHI with vendors who have signed a BAA. This ensures that PHI is protected and that all parties comply with HIPAA laws and regulations. Prior to implementing any AI technology that processes or accesses PHI, covered entities must enter into a business associate agreement with the vendor of such technology.  • Protect PHI when using the chat platform. OpenAI warns against inputting confidential information into the platform. As with many technology platforms, ChatGPT collects information and reviews conversations to improve systems and services. In other words, there is no telling where that data is being stored and, therefore, cannot be protected. Because this platform is not HIPAA compliant, it’s super important to remember not to input any identifiable patient information. When working with PHI, de-identifying or anonymizing data is key to minimizing the risk of a data breach. • Establish access controls and monitor chat logs. To minimize risk, access to chat logs should be restricted to those who need it as part of their job function. Don’t forget to implement written documentation of which employees can access chat logs, and be sure to revoke access if necessary. These chat logs are highly recommended to be monitored and audited to ensure they do not contain any PHI. • Establish Policies and Procedures and train employees. When implementing a new technology, such as ChatGPT, that potentially accesses PHI, policies, and procedures must be implemented to ensure that all appropriate safeguards are in place to support the use of the new technology. Training employees on properly using new technology is also super important. Training should include security best practices, data privacy importance, and incident reporting steps if necessary. • Create and implement an incident response policy. As with any security risk, having an incident response policy is super important to help mitigate risk in the case of a breach. This plan should include procedures for identifying and mitigating the incident, notifying affected individuals, and investigating the cause of the incident to prevent future incidents.  By proactively prioritizing patient privacy and security, healthcare organizations can greatly benefit from ChatGPT and other AI language models. Streamlining administrative work and improving patient outcomes, sounds like a win-win. But, it’s critical that you carefully balance increased efficiency and elevated risks related to patient data privacy. This is new for everyone, so not making drastic changes to your business because of something ChatGPT can do should be considered. Your patients still want human experiences, and that is something ChatGPT can’t take away from you and your staff!How can you stay up to date on the latest compliance trends and news? Contact our compliance experts at Abyde today for guidance on this everchanging technical landscape and see how we can help you be successful in the years ahead!  To book a demo with one of our Abyde specialists, click here or call us at (800) 594-0883

HIPAA Culture of Compliance
Best Practices, HIPAA

A Culture of Compliance – Your Get Out of Jail Free Card

April 18, 2023 Comments Off on A Culture of Compliance – Your Get Out of Jail Free Card

April 18, 2023 Everyone wishes for the “Get Out of Jail Free” card in the game of Monopoly, so you can sell it and make money or free yourself from the slammer and continue your quest for wealth. But don’t you wish you had a card like this in real life so you could avoid paying a late fee, get out of an awkward situation, or get out of a speeding ticket? Imagine handing a police officer the card with your license and registration, I bet you would get a good chuckle! When it comes to healthcare compliance, demonstrating “good faith” could provide you with that much-needed “Get Out of Jail Free” card if you are investigated, audited, or are facing a violation. “Good faith” generally means that you have made a sincere and honest effort to comply with applicable laws, regulations, or standards pertaining to HIPAA and OSHA. So what do regulators look for when determining whether or not a practice has demonstrated “good faith”? First, you have implemented policies and procedures to include applicable forms or required logs. Next, staff has been trained in accordance with HIPAA and OSHA timeframes and requirements. And most importantly, whether or not you have completed a HIPAA Security Risk Analysis and OSHA Facility Risk Assessment that have identified risks, hazards, and mitigation efforts. While regulators may consider other factors, implementing a documented compliance program suggests you are committed to compliance and taking reasonable steps to protect your patients’ PHI and provide a safe and healthy workplace for staff. It is important to keep in mind “good faith” does not guarantee immunity from regulators. Every situation will have different mitigating factors, such as malicious intent or an identified hazard that went unmitigated. While you may be promoting a culture of compliance, ignoring the blatantly obvious could lead to you losing that “Get Out of Jail Free” card. Okay, how can you win at the HIPAA and OSHA compliance game? While it may be difficult to achieve compliance perfection, having a documented culture of compliance and, even more importantly, not letting your compliance program lapse will be key. These moves will show your “good faith” effort towards safeguarding patient information and employee safety and might even earn you the jackpot or a luxury Dark Blue property (IYKYK).

OCR HIPAA Telehealth COVID-19 Transition
HIPAA, Legislation

OCR Announces Transition Period for Compliance with HIPAA Rules for Telehealth

April 12, 2023 Comments Off on OCR Announces Transition Period for Compliance with HIPAA Rules for Telehealth

April 12, 2023 As of May 12, 2023, a 90-calendar day transition period will be in effect to provide covered healthcare providers with time to come into compliance with the HIPAA Rules in relation to their provision of telehealth. The transition period will expire on August 9, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. During this period, the OCR will continue to exercise its enforcement discretion. It will not impose penalties on covered healthcare providers for noncompliance with the HIPAA Rules that occur in connection with the good faith provision of telehealth. The Notice of Expiration of Certain Notifications of Enforcement Discretion Issued in Response to the COVID-19 Nationwide Public Health Emergency is available at: https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-07824.pdf – PDF. This notice marks the end of the enforcement discretion period that was put in place by the OCR to support the healthcare sector and the public in responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency. OCR Director Melanie Fontes Rainer has emphasized that the OCR is committed to supporting the use of telehealth by ensuring that healthcare providers can make the necessary changes to their operations privately and securely in compliance with HIPAA Rules. In addition to announcing the transition period, it’s worth noting that the OCR had previously issued four Notifications of Enforcement Discretion in the Federal Register regarding how the HIPAA Rules would be applied to certain violations during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency. These notifications and their effective beginning and end dates are: It’s important to note that these notifications will also expire at 11:59 pm on May 11, 2023, due to the expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The OCR will no longer exercise enforcement discretion for violations that occur after this date, which is why the transition period has been put in place to allow covered healthcare providers to make any necessary changes to their operations to ensure they comply with HIPAA Rules when providing telehealth services. Questions regarding HIPAA and OSHA Compliance, please email Abyde at info@abyde.com or call (800) 594-0883  

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