Optimized Health Law for Health Informatics and Information Management

Health law is a rapidly evolving field, and students entering the Health Information Management (HIM) fields require the most recent knowledge to advance the profession and ensure legal compliance. The revised reprint of Fundamentals of Law for Health Informatics and Information Management, authored by Melanie Brodnik, Laurie Rinehart-Thompson, and Rebecca Reynolds, contains updates to the second edition. This edition includes new features and major updates such as:

Medical Identity Theft and Red Flags Rule

Medical identity theft is a growing concern in the healthcare industry. The Red Flags Rule, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), requires certain businesses and organizations to implement an Identity Theft Prevention Program. This program aims to detect, prevent, and mitigate identity theft in connection with the opening of certain accounts or existing accounts with a “covered entity.” HIM professionals must be aware of these regulations to protect patient data effectively.

Contracts, Antitrust, and Corporate Healthcare Liability

Contracts play a crucial role in the healthcare industry, as they outline the terms and conditions between parties. Antitrust laws, on the other hand, are designed to promote competition and protect consumers from anti-competitive business practices. Corporate healthcare liability is a critical aspect of healthcare law, as it involves the legal responsibilities of healthcare organizations and their employees. HIM professionals need to understand these concepts to navigate the complex legal landscape of healthcare.

2013 HIPAA Privacy and Security Updates under ARRA and HITECH

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a cornerstone of health law, focusing on the privacy and security of health information. The 2013 updates under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act introduced significant changes to HIPAA, including the Breach Notification Rule. HIM professionals must be knowledgeable about these updates to ensure compliance and protect patient data.

Meaningful Use

Meaningful Use is a core component of the HITECH Act, aimed at promoting the adoption and effective use of electronic health records (EHRs). The program provides financial incentives to healthcare providers who demonstrate the “meaningful use” of EHRs, focusing on improving patient care through better health information management. HIM professionals play a key role in achieving Meaningful Use, as they are responsible for ensuring that health information systems meet the required criteria.

E-Discovery

E-Discovery refers to the process of identifying, collecting, and producing electronically stored information (ESI) in response to a legal request or court order. In healthcare, e-discovery is critical, as it involves the management of large volumes of electronic health records and other digital data. HIM professionals must understand the legal and technical aspects of e-discovery to ensure that healthcare organizations comply with legal requirements and protect sensitive patient information.

Security Safeguard Mechanisms

Security safeguard mechanisms are essential for protecting health information from unauthorized access, breaches, and other security threats. HIM professionals must implement and maintain robust security measures, including technical safeguards (e.g., encryption, firewalls), physical safeguards (e.g., locked file rooms, surveillance cameras), and administrative safeguards (e.g., access controls, training programs). These mechanisms are critical for ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of health information.

Fundamentals of Law for Health Informatics and Information Management provides comprehensive coverage of these critical topics, offering HIM students and professionals the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex legal landscape of healthcare. With its updated content and emphasis on recent developments in health law, this revised reprint is an invaluable resource for anyone working in or entering the HIM field.