Important Department of Health News: Discover the Latest Updates in Healthcare Regulations and Guidelines
As healthcare providers, it’s essential to stay up-to-date on the latest healthcare regulations and guidelines. With changing times, the healthcare industry has experienced its fair share of changes, mainly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Various regulatory bodies, including the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), have been releasing guidelines and updates to help clinicians better manage patient care in these unprecedented times.
Telehealth Gets a Thumbs-up from CMS
Telehealth has proved to be a game-changer in the healthcare industry in recent times. With CMS’s recent announcement to expand Medicare-covered telehealth services, patients can now receive more virtual care than ever before. The new guidelines also cover the addition of new services, making it easier for clinicians to provide care to patients without having to schedule an in-person visit.
Compliance with HIPAA Regulations in Telehealth
Despite the benefits of telehealth, there have been concerns about compliance with HIPAA regulations when using these platforms. To address this, the HHS’ Office of Civil Rights (OCR) has issued guidelines to provide additional flexibility when using these platforms.
Clinicians can now use everyday communication platforms such as Skype, FaceTime, and Zoom for patient care without the risk of violating HIPAA privacy rules.
New Guidelines for Clinicians in Long-term Care Facilities
Long-term care facilities have remained a hotbed for COVID-19 transmission, given the vulnerable population residing in those facilities. Recently, the CDC has issued new guidelines to help clinicians manage the outbreak better.
The guidelines cover several areas, including screening residents and visitors, and preventing and managing outbreaks. Although these guidelines may seem restrictive, they are a step in the right direction towards better management of care in long-term care facilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, keeping up-to-date with healthcare regulations and guidelines is vital in providing quality patient care. Regulations are continually evolving, mainly in these unprecedented times. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the latest updates and guidelines regularly. As healthcare providers, we are bound to put the well-being of our patients first, and adhering to these regulations and guidelines is a crucial step in achieving this goal.
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