HHS proposes major changes to HIPAA’s Privacy Rule
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently published proposed modifications to the HIPAA privacy rule, which, if finalized, would significantly impact Covered Entities’ responses to records requests.
Vodafone Fined €12.25 Million by Italian Data Protection Authority
Written by: Brett Lawrence, Esq. On November 12, 2020, Vodafone, the multinational telecommunications company, was fined €12.25 million by Garante, Italy’s data protection authority. The fine is the third largest ordered by the regulator. G
Facebook Fined $50,000 for Violating Russian Data Localization Law
Written by: Brett Lawrence, Esq. As of 2016, Russia requires all technology companies who collect and process the personal data of Russian citizens to store that data on servers located in Russia. Recently, Russian authorities discovered that F
Zoom Settles Alleged Unfair & Deceptive Practices with Federal Trade Commission
Written by: Charles R. Langhorne IV, Esq. In November, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) released a Consent Agreement outlining the terms of the settlement the FTC reached with Zoom communications regarding alleged unfai
HHS Proposed Regulatory Reform Rule Will Require Vigilant Monitoring
Written by: Angela Tompkins, MSHA, RN, Esq. Earlier this month, The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking requiring the Department to assess its regulations every ten years to determine whether they
CDC Federal Advisory Committee Recommends Giving Priority for COVID-19 Vaccines to Healthcare Workers and Long-Term Care Facility Residents in Wake of Deadline for States to Submit Their Vaccination Plans This Friday
Written by: Alex Battey, Esq. and Paige Nettles, Esq. On Tuesday, December 1, 2020 the independent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a panel advising the Centers for Disease Control and Prevision on the implementation of COVID
Opioid Overdose Deaths Surge During COVID-19 Pandemic, Alarming Health Officials
The number of Americans dying from opioid overdoses surged dramatically in 2020 while the coronavirus pandemic was raging, causing alarm among public health officials and setting the stage for an increase in opioid litigation. More than 81,000 d
CMS Releases New Podcast Series for Frontline Staff of Nursing Homes to Prevent Spread of COVID-19
Written by: Alex Battey, Esq. and Laura Hall Cartner, Esq. In early 2019, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services created a podcast entitled “CMS Beyond the Policy,” describing podcasts as a “modern, user-friendly” method of keepi
CMS Issues “Holiday Leave Recommendations Letter” for Nursing Homes, Residents, Resident Family Members, and Staff
Written by: Laura Hall Cartner, Esq. and Kathleen Wilkinson, Esq. This year, the holiday season certainly looks a little different in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With varying limitations on visitation since March, this year will host
New Changes to Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statutes
Written by: Jordan Johnson, Esq. and Leanne Livingston, Esq. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) recently revised the federal self-referra