Ransomware & Identity Theft Update
The Exposure & Defenses for ASCs and Employees
Back in August, we reported in the Auxo Medical Examiner of the increasing victimization of health care facilities by hackers who disable access to key patient and status records until ransom demands are met. In addition to patients, employees often suffer as well because of a workplace breach of their confidential information.
In recent days, we’ve all seen the recent headlines of a data breach that literally may affect 50% of Americans.
Giant Equifax data breach: 143 million people could be affected
Equifax says a giant cybersecurity breach compromised the personal information of as many as 143 million Americans — almost half the U.S population.
Given the snowballing ransomware cyberattacks of ASCs and other health care facilities, coupled with escalating identity theft initiated by hackers for illicit use or sale to other thieves … this issue will deal with two specific data breach exposures:
- The burgeoning interconnectivity of medical devices, and
- Protection against theft of employee records.
The Stryker 1061
See all of the functions of Stryker Renaissance 1061 Gynnie OB/GYN Stretcher.
Healthcare Employers and Managers
The times are changing – and healthcare managers need to get with the times.
How would you like to have employees who:
- Crave meaningful work and passionate about helping others;
- Seek and respond well to constructive feedback;
- Embrace training and mentoring to advance their careers; and
- Creatively apply technology in the workplace?
If your answer is “yes”, you have just accepted the profile of the single largest segment of the workforce – Millennials. What’s not to like?!
This generation has now surpassed the Boomers and projected to be fully half of the U.S. workforce by 2020. Also known as Gen Y, this generation born between 1980 and 2000 will escalate to 75% status by 2030.
Training Course – October 16th – 20th, 2017
**This training classes has ended.**
Mark your calendar! This Fall, Auxo Medical will be offering a Steris Sterilizer and Washer/Disinfector service training course!
The course will be offered October 16th – 20th, 2017 at Auxo Medical in Richmond, VA.
October 16th – 17th 2017 – Steris Small Century Series Sterilizers
October 18th – 19th 2017 – Steris Synegry Washers
October 20th, 2017 – Review for the final half day.
ASCs and Hospitals
Of Ransomware, Hackers, FTC and HIPAA
You’ve seen it … you’ve heard it … you couldn’t miss it!
Health care facilities have been victimized by hackers who steal patient identities and increasingly disable access to key patient treatment and status records until ransom demands are met. Additionally, employees may suffer because of a workplace breach of their confidential information.
Traditional technology networks are generally vulnerable and lucrative to attack. ASCs as well as small to medium-size hospitals are marked as primary targets for breaches because their security infrastructure is often lacking. That underscores a July 2016 report that revealed that the healthcare industry is hit significantly harder by ransomware hackers than any other sector … to the tune of 88% of attacks targeted hospitals.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what are current threats as well as those to be anticipated based on advances in medical technology. Additionally, we’ll review technical safeguards under HIPAA regulations and employer responsibilities as viewed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Highlights of CMS’s 2018 ASC Payment Rule
JOINT EFFORT
From paying surgery centers for total joints to delaying mandatory participation with a patient satisfaction survey, there are several positive developments in the 2018 proposed payment rule for ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs), which the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the last week.
Read the full article on Outpatient Surgery.
ASCs Merger and Acquisition
ASCs at Center of This Major Trend – 5 Major Drivers
ASCs merger and acquisition activity continues its decade long growth trend. Industry experts anticipate the outlook for 2017 and beyond will likely maintain or exceed that momentum.
There are 5 major drivers that fuel this buying spree to consolidate and deliver patient care in non-hospital settings.
OSHA Audits And Your Asc: What to Expect, How to Prepare, Help From the Auditors
That said, it follows that healthcare providers, including ASCs, are likely to be the object of scrutiny by OSHA. As an operating entity in a high risk industry sector, it is quite possible that your ASC will be scheduled for an OSHA inspection (audit) to assure compliance with OSHA requirements.
But put that in context. OSHAs objective is not to be punitive. Rather it seeks to help employers and workers reduce on-the-job hazards to prevent injuries, illnesses and deaths.
Let’s take a look at what you may expect when the OSHA compliance safety and health officer (CO) shows up on your doorstep, typically without advance notice. Following that, we’ll look at how you may best position your ASC to not be a target for an OSHA inspection and the payoffs for being proactive.
