Industry Notes: Patient Safety Wins With Limits For Nurses

Why This Topic Matters

It brings together several operational topics that affect coding accuracy, documentation, compliance workflows, and awareness of federal and state healthcare policy changes.

Article Sections

1. Patient Safety Staffing Measure in Massachusetts

   A state legislative change aimed at patient safety in intensive care settings and the response from nursing leadership.

2. CMS Reveals Auditors’ Findings Regarding AWVs

   Medicare audit observations related to annual wellness visit claims and a separate payment review example involving evaluation and management services.

3. CMS Finally Releases Stats on ICD-10 Testing

   CMS updates on ICD-10 testing activity, testing participation, and the status of the transition timeline.

4. Diagnosis Freeze May Thaw

   Discussion of ICD code freeze timing, scheduled update windows, and the ongoing evolution of ICD-10-CM guidance.

5. Need Guidance On Signature Requirements? CMS Has Your Document.

   A CMS resource roundup focused on Medicare signature documentation requirements across different settings and services.

6. You Could Get A Prison Sentence For HIPAA Violations

   A reported criminal enforcement case involving alleged unauthorized access to protected health information and federal investigation activity.