The healthcare industry protects people beyond providing general health resources and emergency services. It also ensures the safety of its patients by protecting their personal information, following ethical practices, and providing various financial aid solutions. There are several laws and regulations set in place to make sure that all healthcare businesses follow the safest and healthiest practices. Here are five major laws and regulations in the healthcare industry worth learning or reviewing.
1. Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) mandates various health and safety standards for a range of workplaces and industries. Their protocols dictate optimized practices to ensure the health and safety of a workplace.
They cover many topics and potential concerns, ranging from the type of safety gear employees should wear to proper filing and labeling systems. They even list the safest ways to clean and store certain products and equipment. OSHA compliance takes into account the health and safety of workers, making sure their needs and rights get met, further ensuring the wellness of those they serve. Failing to comply with OSHA leads to various violations and citations.
2. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Unlike OSHA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) pertains only to the healthcare industry. HIPAA creates standards to ensure the protection of patient health information. It mandates specific regulations concerning disclosures, a patient’s ability to change their information, and the security of digital filing and data transferring practices. There are numerous reasons why following HIPAA compliance benefits your business and plays an essential role in the healthcare industry.
3. Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) and Stark Law
The Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) and Stark Law reduce risks of power abuse and unethical financial gain. They prohibit medical providers from administering or receiving financial and other rewards from practices they refer to or receive a referral from. These laws prevent different medical services from piggybacking on one other to increase their business. They also eliminate potential concerns of providers working toward their own interests and motives instead of doing what’s best for their patients.
4. Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA)
In line with AKS and the Stark Law, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) ensures that healthcare services put the health and safety of others first over their own gain. EMTALA requires medical centers to stabilize and treat those that come to their emergency rooms regardless of the patient’s financial standing and insurance status. It prevents emergency centers from denying people access to critical care, even if they can’t afford the treatment.
5. Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act (PSQIA)
The Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act (PSQIA) ensures maximum patient safety in medical clinics. PSQIA provides and encourages a voluntary, confidential reporting system. It allows anyone to report concerns or potential hazards that can affect the safety of a patient. It further ensures that people are protected from any repercussions or biases from reporting. Like the Whistleblower Act, PSQIA allows people to voice their concerns without fear of facing backlash like denied care, withheld promotions or time off, and extra or unnecessary increased charges.
Understanding the different major laws and regulations in the healthcare industry ensures your healthcare business complies with the necessary protocols expected of them and practices ethical conventions. Keep in mind that each State might mandate variations or other required laws.
