Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
In an ideal world, implementing proactive security measures would guarantee the safety of protected health information (PHI) and other confidential data. But experience has shown that even well-guarded networks and systems can be infiltrated, resulting in compromised infrastructure, privacy and security violations, and data losses (e.g., in cases of ransomware).
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The sale of nonprescription health products — such as dietary supplements, vitamins, essential oils, skin care products, and nutraceuticals — is big business in the United States and abroad. In fact, the global market for dietary supplements was valued at $192.65 billion in 2024, and it is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 8.9 percent from 2025 to 2033.1
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Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
Over the past few decades, a shift has occurred in both public opinion related to using marijuana for medical purposes (“medical marijuana”1) and state laws that address this issue. The most recent update from the National Conference of State Legislatures notes that 40 states, the District of Columbia, and three territories have enacted laws that permit marijuana for medicinal purposes.2 Some states and territories also permit marijuana for nonmedical purposes. However, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule 1 drug under the federal Controlled Substances Act — thus, it is illegal.
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Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the frontier in healthcare technology, and its potential seems almost boundless. One highly touted promise of AI is that healthcare organizations and providers can use it to reduce administrative workload, particularly as it relates to documentation.
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Marcy A. Metzgar
Healthcare practices, like hospitals, need to be ready for the tragic reality of an active shooter at their location. However, unlike hospitals, they have fewer people to protect and cover less square feet. Despite the physical environment of a healthcare practice, having an emergency preparedness plan in place that addresses an active shooter situation is critical.
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Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
In today’s connected world, the need to protect proprietary and sensitive information is increasingly challenging. As technology continues to expand and evolve, cybersecurity has become a preeminent concern for many industries, including healthcare. Complex networks and data exchanges, cloud-based services, social media, online portals, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence (AI), and other technologies have introduced opportunities and efficiencies but also potential threats.
Read more Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
Behavioral health issues have escalated in recent years and pose serious public health and patient safety concerns. About 23 percent of adults in the United States have a behavioral health condition; 20 percent of adolescents report having a major depressive episode in the last year; and only half of people who have mental illnesses receive treatment.1
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Point-of-care testing (POCT) is performed close to the patient, permitting swift delivery of test results for diagnosis and treatment. It can play a major part in diagnosing illness because results can be ready in 30 minutes or less.1 More advantages of POCT include its portability, absence of storage requirements, small sample volumes, availability of various tests, minimal processing requirements, and usability in the clinical workflow.2
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