Compliance & Legal

"The Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting people who abuse our healthcare system and exploit telemedicine technologies in fraud and bribery schemes," says assistant AG.

Health systems in Kansas and Colorado had made sizable bitcoin payments after ransomware attacks. That money has now been recovered by the FBI and will be returned.

"It should not take a federal investigation before a HIPAA-covered entity provides patients, or their personal representatives, with access to their medical records," said OCR Director Lisa J. Pino.

Steve Gilbert, a consultant and anti-racism advisor, says healthcare stakeholders must show "amazing leadership and be incredibly brave" in order to help discriminated groups and reduce healthcare disparities.

The risks to patients in a post-Roe v. Wade world demand new protections, they say, calling on HHS to amend the Privacy Rule to ensure that information cannot be shared with law enforcement agencies targeting individuals who seek an abortion.

The HHS agency is reminding providers that they aren't required to disclose private medical information to third parties. It also has tips for data security in using period trackers and other health-information apps.