Milestone 4

Milestone 2: Health Regulations and Laws Ramifications

Precious Teasley

Southern New Hampshire University

HIM 500

Professor Jon M.

January 25, 2022

Milestone 2: Health Regulations and Laws Ramifications

Financial Impact in the Institution

If these issues aren't addressed, the institution faces civil liability for security vulnerabilities and HIPAA violations, which would have a significant financial impact. In addition, the institution could be held liable for compensating the victims in certain circumstances. Additionally, the hospital may be subject to additional sanctions from regulatory organizations, on top of compensating any affected patients.

Pinnacle Health, a three-hospital system in Pennsylvania, is a good example. This hospital is held liable when a patient was released on the wrong prescription, and a doctor could not order Vitamin K to avoid bleeding in a newborn. An early plaintiff in a civil complaint against the EHRs used by Pinnacle Health during these incidents is Pinnacle Health. Many of these lawsuits cost a lot of money and cause a lot of bad press for the hospital, which can also have a financial impact (Schencker, 2016).

As a result of a physician's attempt to deactivate a personal server on the NYP network that contained digitally protected health information, New York-Presbyterian Hospital agreed to pay $4.8 million in damages in 2014. As a result, Google obtained the personal information of 6,800 patients in 2010. As a result of data security breaches, the Department of Civil And human rights has collected around $25 million in fines. In addition to court expenses and fines levied by the federal and state governments. Free credit monitoring and outsourcing of hotline services may also be offered to patients whose data has been hacked. Over two years, these payments can average $2 million for each healthcare center.

"Willful neglect" is a legal term that ignores regulations and governmental laws. The penalties for knowingly flouting these regulations can range from $1,000 to $10,000 each offense. But there is a limit to how much the institution must pay.

Impact on Daily Operations in the Institution

If infractions are not dealt with promptly, they can substantially impact daily operations. For example, data theft is a considerable risk as healthcare becomes more digitized and accessible via mobile applications and laptops. In addition, information can be compromised if it is not secured correctly.

According to an article by Online Tech, these security breaches severely influence operational efficiency. These lapses in security can lead to a reduction in output, a tarnished reputation, and a decrease in patient confidence (Pham, 2019). In addition, regulators' audits and surveys can be stressful for all in the hospital if health IT infractions are discovered.

A hospital's response to a security breach is outlined in detail in the Final Rule, published in the Federal Register, requiring additional resources. Victims, for instance, must be informed of a security breach via priority mail within 60 days of the occurrence. In addition, if the breach affects more than 500 patients, the media must be notified as well.

Regulations and legislation are placed to ensure that patients receive the finest and safest care possible. Compliance with health standards and technological laws must be enforced, or patient safety may be compromised. One example of complications leading to patient death is medication administration errors. Incorrect coding and billing could lead to the provider's license being revoked.

Impact of Security of the Health Information in the Institution

Obama's HITECH Act broadened the scope of HIPAA and gave funding to improve the use of health information systems in clinical settings. Protected health information (PHI) must be secured to the highest possible standard under the same laws and regulations that govern technology. Security measures must protect premises, equipment, and patient data from harm or illegal access. Patients' privacy rights must also be explained to them.

References

Pham, J. S. (2019). The Digital Divide in Vulnerable Communities Affecting Access to e-Health Services (Doctoral dissertation, CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE).

Schencker, L. (2016). EHR safety goes to court. Modern healthcare, 46(26-27), 30-32.