Why timing matters for Section 1557–related updates Early in the year, many healthcare organizations review compliance-related documents tied to patient communication and access requirements. These reviews often connect to Section 1557 obligations and other federal or state guidance that affect how information is shared with patients and members. Addressing these updates early gives teams more … Continued
The material herein is educational and informational only. No legal advice is provided. A Houston man has sued a major Texas health system, alleging they mishandled his discharge. In doing so, he may have become the first person in the nation to pursue damages against a provider using the language access provision of Section 1557 … Continued
It’s been three years since Health and Human Services’ final order on Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act took effect. US healthcare providers have worked hard to meet the language access requirements that Section 1557 lays out. Has your organization achieved compliance with the interpretation and translation requirements found in Section 1557 of the Affordable Care … Continued
*The material herein on ACA Section 1557 compliance is educational and informational only. No legal advice is provided.** New regulation continues to increase the importance of hospital language services. CMS’s rollout of their five-star rating results highlighted how language access may impact patient satisfaction and readmission rates. Now, the final section of the Affordable Care Act has added a … Continued
With legal battles ongoing, Propio reached out to attorney Andrew Stevens to write about the current state of Section 1557 litigation. The material herein is educational and informational only. No legal advice is provided. In 2016, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) significantly expanded the rights of limited English proficient (LEP) individuals seeking … Continued
On June 12, 2020, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its Final Rule on Section 1557. This Ruling included some updates to the information surrounding the requirements for posting notices of nondiscrimination and taglines. The material herein is educational and informational only. No legal advice is provided. What is Section … Continued
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), backed by the United States Department of Labor, requires employers to provide a safe workplace. It’s the employer’s responsibility to eliminate and reduce hazards to the fullest extent possible and train their employees to follow processes that will protect them. While safety standards vary by industry, failure to … Continued
Language services in healthcare Section 1557 of the ACA requires healthcare organizations to provide interpretation services and translated documents for LEP patients. Despite these legal requirements, studies show that communication barriers in healthcare lead to a greater chance of extended-stay hospitalizations, misdiagnosis, and medical errors for LEP patients. As recently as 2016, 1-in-3 hospitals failed to offer interpreters … Continued
You may be familiar with the Joint Commission, but there are other independent accreditation organizations garnering respect in the healthcare industry. Acquiring multiple certifications and accreditations can improve a healthcare facility’s reputation for patient safety and quality of care. Propio’s experts researched Det Norske Veritas Healthcare, Inc. (DNV Healthcare) accreditation to help you compare your existing … Continued
Preventing workplace injuries and fatalities is critical to your business’ success from both ethical and financial viewpoints. However, with thousands of safety standards in place, it can be challenging for employers to know, understand, and abide by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) regulations and guidelines. So where should you focus your compliance efforts? … Continued
