Professionals Advocate

Risk Management Alerts

The latest risk management news and alerts issued by dental organizations.

Maryland Department of Health to Expand Primary Care Program during Open Application Period

The Maryland Department of Health announced on 6/14/2022 that it is expanding the Maryland Primary Care Program during the open application period. Care Transformation Organizations (CTOs) and primary care practices can apply for the program through midni

June 14, 2022

HHS Issues Guidance on HIPAA and Audio-Only Telehealth

HHS, though the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) , is issuing guidance on how covered entities can use remote communication technologies to provide audio-only telehealth services in a manner that is acceptable to HIPAA.

June 13, 2022

MARYLAND ISSUES PROCLAMATION DECLARING A STATE OF EMERGENCY AND CATASTROPHIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

Issued Proclamation of Declaration of State of Emergency and Existence of Catastrophic Health Emergency – COVID-19

January 11, 2022

Winter Surge Special Covid Update Webinar

The Maryland Department of Health is holding a brief Winter Surge Special Covid Update Webinar this evening

December 22, 2021

Maryland Primary Care Program Agreement

MDH and CMMI came to a preliminary agreement to establish a Track 3 for the Maryland Primary Care Program (MDPCP).

December 20, 2021

Cyber Security Alert from the Maryland Department of Health

Security incident was discovered involving the Maryland Department of Health's (MDH) information technology systems

December 10, 2021

HHS 405(d) Aligning Health Care Industry Security Approaches

The 405(d) Program and Task Group is a collaborative effort between industry and the federal government, which aims to raise awareness, provide vetted cybersecurity practices, and move organizations towards consistency in mitigating the current most perti

December 07, 2021

MACS for MOMs

Support for prescribers in addressing the needs of pregnant and postpartum patients with substance use disorder.

October 13, 2021

The most common cybersecurity mistakes doctors make

The risks of poor cybersecurity hygiene have never been greater. Here’s how physicians can improve theirs.

July 29, 2021

Multistate Outbreak of Tuberculosis (TB)

Suspected contaminated bone allograft material used in surgical procedures.

June 21, 2021

Postcard Disguised as Official OCR Communication

HHS Office warns of postcard disguised as official OCR communications.

April 26, 2021

Your Patient Is Now Reading Your Note: Opportunities, Problems, and Prospects

Patients have unprecedented online access to their medical records. More than 6 million Americans can now read their doctors’ notes via patient portals, and continued rapid growth is likely.

April 06, 2021

Attorney General Announces $188.6 Million Multistate Settlement with Medical Device Manufacturer

Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh announced a multistate settlement with Boston Scientific Corporation.

March 23, 2021

VaccineFinder Public Display Checklist for Providers

VaccineFinder.org provides a national resource of COVID-19 vaccine providers to help consumers find provider locations that carry COVID-19 vaccines.

February 24, 2021

Report: Healthcare data breaches spiked 55% in 2020

There were nearly 600 healthcare data breaches in 2020, a 55% jump from 2019, a new report shows.

February 23, 2021

WHO eLearning Modules on 2019 nCoV Up and Running

More than 25,000 individuals have accessed the World Health Organization's (WHO) online training on how to detect, prevent, respond to, and control the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019 nCoV).

February 18, 2021

AHRQ Updates Toolkit on Improving Your Diagnostic Testing Process

This step-by-step guide advises how to improve the safety and accuracy of the diagnostic testing process in primary care settings.

February 18, 2021

Health Care Provider Referrals to Monoclonal Antibody Infusions

The Maryland Department of Health has released updated guidance on referring patients to Monoclonal antibody infusions.

February 18, 2021

Antibiotic and Opioid Stewardship in Dentistry

The Patient Safety Network has released an article titled "Antibiotic and Opioid Stewardship in Dentistry."

January 08, 2021

Baltimore County launches health care provider registry

The Baltimore County Department of Health invites county health care providers to register their practice in the county’s new provider registry.

January 05, 2021

Marylanders are eligible for ‘no-cost’ COVID-19 vaccinations

The Maryland Insurance Commissioner reminds all Marylanders that they cannot be billed for COVID-19 vaccinations.

December 15, 2020

Charges for Enhanced Infection Control and PPE

In a new bulletin, the MIA explains their enforcement position on Physicians attempting to charge patients additional...

December 15, 2020

CDC Guidance for Handling the Holidays During the Pandemic

As the holiday season grows near, the CDC released new guidance on how to handle holiday celebrations and group gatherings.

November 19, 2020

BHA/MedChi Behavioral Health Webinar Series: Helping the Helpers and Those They Serve

The MDH Behavioral Health Administration and MedChi are jointly sponsoring a new webinar series, the BHA/MedChi Behavioral Health Webinar Series: Helping the Helpers and Those They Serve.

November 18, 2020

Maryland Adds New Condition to Resuming Elective and Non-Urgent Procedures and Appointments

On Nov. 17, the MDH issued a directive and Order that adds new measures that health care providers must implement to resume elective and non-urgent procedures.

November 17, 2020

Implementing Effective Mask Policies in Your Practice

This PowerPoint includes guidance on mask policy posting and notification, implementation, and managing objections.

October 13, 2020

New Risk Management Program Highlights Resilience

The Risk Management Department is offering a free 1.5-hour webinar on “Finding Resilience During a Pandemic,” presented by Lynne Hughes.

October 07, 2020

Maryland Department of Health Releases Face Coverings Signage

The Maryland Department of Health has released face coverings signage for Maryland businesses.

September 08, 2020

Malicious Cyber Actor Spoofing COVID-19 Loan Relief Webpage via Phishing Emails

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is currently tracking an unknown malicious cyber actor who is spoofing the Small Business Administration (SBA) COVID-19 loan relief webpage via phishing emails.

August 17, 2020

Postcard Disguised as Official OCR Communication

August 06, 2020

Interpreting the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Emergency Temporary Standard for COVID-19

Interpreting the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Emergency Temporary Standard for COVID-19, from the Byrne Legal Group

August 03, 2020

Attorney General alerts consumers and dental providers that surcharges may violate the Consumer Protection Act

Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh is alerting consumers to surcharges by some dental providers that could violate the Consumer Protection Act.

June 15, 2020

Medical Practice in The Face of COVID-19

In this course, Maryland attorney John T. Sly of the law firm Waranch & Brown, L.L.C., will assist you in navigating recent executive orders from Maryland and Virginia, infection control parameters from OSHA, CDC guidance on safely resuming in-person care

May 15, 2020

FAQs and Guidance: Residential Mortgage and Commercial Mortgage Deferment Program

Receive guidance and read frequently asked questions about the D.C. Residential Mortgage and Commercial Mortgage Deferment Program.

May 07, 2020

MGMA to host "Roadmap for Resuming Business Operations" webinar

The Maryland Medical Group Management Association (MDMGMA) is hosting a webinar, Town Hall: Roadmap for Resuming Business Operations, Wednesday, May 6 at noon, developed in collaboration with leadership from Medicus IT.

May 01, 2020

CARES Act Provider Relief Fund Information

President Trump is providing support to healthcare providers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 27, 2020, the President signed the bipartisan CARES Act that provides $100 billion in relief funds to hospitals and other healthcare providers on the fro

April 13, 2020

Phoenix Systems may have been compromised

The MSDA was made aware today that Phoenix Systems may have been compromised. If you are a client of Phoenix Systems, we urge you to call for an update regarding your account.

April 08, 2020

Individual Posing as OCR Investigator

It has come to OCR’s attention that an individual posing as an OCR Investigator has contacted HIPAA covered entities in an attempt to obtain protected health information (PHI).

April 06, 2020

How to Protect the Health of Your Home and Family

The American Academy of Family Physicians gives guidance on how to take extra precautions both before they arrive and after they leave the workplace to limit risk of COVID-19 to family and other household members.

March 31, 2020

Reducing Stigma - COVID-19

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

March 23, 2020

Coverage and Payment Related to COVID-19

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

March 23, 2020

MedChi Coronavirus Resource Center

Click here to access MedChi's coronavirus Resource ...

March 23, 2020

OCR Guidance on Telehealth - March 20, 2020

Today, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued guidance on telehealth remote communications following its Notification of Enforcement Discretion during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergen

March 23, 2020

MSDA Recommends Limiting Non-Essential Visits

MSDA Recommendation

March 18, 2020

Medicare Telehealth FAQ - COVID-19

Updated on March 17, 2020

March 18, 2020

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services - COVID-19 Toolkit

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is taking action to protect the health and safety of our nation’s patients and providers in the wake of the 2019 Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

March 18, 2020

Notification of Enforcement Discretion for Telehealth Remote Communications During COVID-19

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for enforcing certain regulations issued under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), as amended by the Health Informat

March 18, 2020

Massachusetts Medical Society COVID-19 Resource Center

Health officials continue to closely monitor the outbreak of a novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19.

March 18, 2020

CDC's Information for Healthcare Professionals - COVID-19

Resources for Healthcare Professionals Caring for COVID-19 Patients

March 18, 2020

JAMA Network's COVID-19 Updates

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread globally, overwhelming ICU and health system capacity.

March 18, 2020

Johns Hopkins University & Medicine COVID-19 Resource Center

Coronavirus Resource Center

March 18, 2020

American Hospital Association Updates & Resources on COVID-19

The following tools include resources and developments related to COVID-19.

March 18, 2020

Coronavirus Information for Dental Hygienists

American Dental Hygienists' Association Information on COVID-19

March 18, 2020

ADA Coronavirus Resource Center for Dentists

March 18, 2020

American College of Emergency Physicians - COVID-19

We are updating our COVID-19 Clinical Alert repository daily to assist you with patient care.

March 18, 2020

American Academy of Family Physicians Updates and Resources on COVID-19

Prepare for Coronavirus (COVID-19)

March 18, 2020

Academy of General Dentistry Information on COVID-19

AGD continues to monitor COVID-19 and work to identify resources and information that are useful to our members.

March 18, 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Phishing Scams

A series of phishing scams have exploited the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

March 17, 2020

ADA releases coronavirus handout for dentists based on CDC guidelines

The American Dental Association has released an informational handout for dentists on the coronavirus disease, now named COVID-19.

March 17, 2020

AHIMA Resources on COVID-19

Click here to access the resources that AHIMA has put together to address any COVID-19 ...

March 16, 2020

Managing Anxiety & Stress from COVID-19

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people.

March 16, 2020

Information for Patients from the CDC

How to Protect Your Patients

March 16, 2020

World Health Organization: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak

Information from the World Health Organization on COVID-19

March 16, 2020

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-2019)

COVID-19: A New Coronavirus

March 16, 2020

Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019

Advice from the CDC

March 16, 2020

Guidance for Collecting Specimens for COVID-19 Testing

The Maryland Department of Health has released information for clinicians who may collect specimens to be referred for COVID-19 testing.

March 09, 2020

Resources for Healthcare Professionals Caring for COVID-19 Patients

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has offered guidance for health care professionals caring for COVID-19 patients.

March 09, 2020

HIPAA Privacy and Novel Coronavirus

In light of the Novel Coronavirus outbreak, the OCR at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is providing this bulletin to ensure that HIPAA covered entities and their business associates are aware of the ways that patient information may be sh

February 17, 2020

Update and Interim Guidance on Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to closely monitor an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus.

February 17, 2020

Two Vaping Advisories Released by CDC

The CDC has issued two advisories — one on how to evaluate flu-like symptoms in the face of concerns about vaping, and the other about how the CDC will count and report e-cigarette and vaping–associated lung injuries (EVALIs).

January 29, 2020

Responding to Social Media Reviews Can Lead to Penalties

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services published a press release signaling how Covered Entities should react to social media reviews.

January 29, 2020

American Academy of Pediatrics – Section on Surgery

Five Things Physicians and Patients Should Question

November 08, 2019

FDA issues warning letters to two breast implant manufacturers for failure to comply with post-approval study requirements

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued warning letters to two breast implant manufacturers for failure to comply with their requirements, under their premarket approval orders, to conduct post-approval studies to assess the long-term safety a

November 08, 2019

Tips for Mitigating a Ransomware Attack

While cybersecurity experts say it's extremely difficult to avoid ransomware incursions, some fairly basic steps can mitigate their effects.

October 11, 2019

Protecting Against the Perils of Dental Patient Data Breaches

This pattern of data breaches is very concerning for dental practices, which are charged with protecting people’s most sensitive information. What can practices do to protect themselves against this growing problem?

October 11, 2019

Seminar Location Change

Due to a scheduling conflict, the Thursday September 19th Pathology Program will be held at Holy Cross Hospital (listed as Medical Mutual in the brochure) from 6 pm to 8 pm.

September 16, 2019

Enhancing Your EHR and Provider Documentation – Presented by eClinicalWorks and Kem Tolliver

On September 18th, at noon, Medical Mutual will be conducting a webinar focusing on eClinicalWorks EHR platforms.

September 12, 2019

Cyber Pulse: The State of Cybersecurity in Healthcare – Part Two

A study on cybersecurity amongst Americans and Canadians working in the healthcare industry.

September 12, 2019

Enhancing Your EHR and Provider Documentation – Presented by HCMI Solutions and Kem Tolliver

On September 24th, at noon, Medical Mutual will be conducting a webinar focusing on AllScripts and Epic EHR platforms.

September 12, 2019

Survey Results – The State of Patient Identity Management

Do You Have the Right Authentication Measures in Place to Prevent Patient Identity Theft?

August 05, 2019

Health Industry Cybersecurity Practices: Managing Threats and Protecting Patients

Health Industry Cybersecurity Practices: Managing Threats and Protecting Patients Click here to access the article from the Department of Health and Human ...

July 09, 2019

CDC Advises Against Misapplication of the Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain

CDC Advises Against Misapplication of the Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain: Some policies, practices attributed to the Guideline are inconsistent with its recommendations

June 25, 2019

Quest Diagnostics Says Up to 12 Million Patients May Have Had Financial, Medical, Personal Information Breached

June 04, 2019

CDC develops measles toolkit for health care providers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed a toolkit to help health care professionals respond to measles outbreaks around the country.

May 13, 2019

EHR Optimization Webinar presented by Athena Health

On May 2nd, at noon, Medical Mutual will be conducting its first of a series of webinars on EHR optimization!

March 27, 2019

HHS Proposes New Rules to Improve the Interoperability of Electronic Health Information

February 11, 2019

2018 District of Columbia Medical Licensure Program

January 29, 2019

Pediatrics Group Calls on Clinicians to Address School Absenteeism with Patients, Caregivers

January 29, 2019

The Cost of a Free Press: Allergy Practice Pays $125,000 to Settle Physician’s Disclosure of Patient Information on TV

Don’t let this happen to you!

December 03, 2018

Final Policy, Payment, and Quality Provisions Changes to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for Calendar Year 2019

On November 1, 2018, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule that includes updates to payment policies, payment rates, and quality provisions for services furnished under the ...

November 05, 2018

American Dental Association Announces New Policy to Combat Opioid Epidemic

The American Dental Association announced a new policy on opioids supporting mandates on prescription limits and continuing education. ...

October 18, 2018

CDC Notice on Increased Seasonal Influenza Activity and Treatment

The CDC reports increased influenza A(H3N2) activity and its clinical implications, as well as a summary of recommended antiviral drug treatments and an update on approved treatment drugs and supply this ...

October 18, 2018

Get Your ICD-10 questions answered with CodeASSIST

Get it Right with CodeASSIST! There are more than 60,000 diagnosis codes included in ICD-10. Coding accuracy and specificity is vital, not only to ensure effective patient care, but also to ...

November 12, 2017