Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
Credentialing and privileging — the processes by which a healthcare organization assesses and confirms the qualifications of a healthcare provider and authorizes the provision of specific services — play an important role in patient safety and high-quality care. These processes are essential for traditional, in-person care and care delivered via telehealth.
Read more Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
Technological advancements in healthcare have helped improve access to, options for, and convenience of care — and telehealth has become an increasingly popular and viable choice for patients. Yet, even with these advancements, certain aspects of traditional medical care remain vital, including informed consent.
Read more Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
An important aspect in the provision of care via telehealth is abiding by appropriate standards of care and scopes of practice, which are defined by federal and state laws, professional boards, accrediting agencies, specialty associations, payers, and so forth. Prescribing medications to patients as part of telehealth services — online prescribing — falls into the parameters of “standards and scope,” and healthcare providers must take precautions to ensure they are prescribing within legal and professional boundaries.
Read more Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
The rapid expansion of technology in healthcare has significant implications for privacy and security of patients’ protected health information (PHI). Confidential or sensitive information that is stored or sent electronically creates a host of security issues that healthcare organizations must consider. For example, mobile devices can be easily lost or stolen, unintentional data breaches can occur, and cyberattacks can cripple information technology systems.
Read more Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
Staffing shortages are a significant challenge in healthcare and represent a preeminent concern for organizations of all types and sizes. Lack of qualified staff to fulfill clinical and support roles can erode the quality of care, threaten patient safety, and lead to liability exposure.
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Meticulous hand hygiene is a best practice and standard precaution for patient and healthcare worker safety in healthcare organizations of all types and sizes, including dental practices. In fact, hand hygiene often is recognized as the single most important step that dental providers and staff can take to prevent the spread of infections.1
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Diversity is a cornerstone of American culture that is reflected throughout our society, including our healthcare system. Healthcare workers interact on a daily basis with people of varying backgrounds and experiences. Although patient populations might differ based on the type of healthcare facility or other factors, the need for culturally competent care never diminishes.
Read more Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
Altering documentation in patient records can have serious consequences, including allegations of fraud and professional misconduct — and it also can make malpractice claims difficult to defend. Yet, mistakes happen and situations undoubtedly will occur that require healthcare providers to make corrections, addendums, or late entries in patient records.
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