2013 HIPAA Omnibus Rule
In early 2013, the HHS added new scope to HIPAA, which provides individuals new rights to their health information, and strengthens the government’s ability to enforce the law. The changes provide consumers with increased protection and control of personal health information. The 2013 HIPAA Omnibus Rule expands … Read More ›
Concerns with HIPAA
There are concerns that consent is not required for a long list of legal and administrative purposes that include law enforcement and public health. That means that if you have been a victim of a HIPAA violation, you have no legal recourse. Instead, only the HHS and … Read More ›
Who Must Comply with the HIPAA Privacy Rule?
The HIPAA Privacy Rule pertains to health care providers, health plans, and health care clearinghouses and to the business associates of these entities. Health care providers – As long as they transmit information electronically, “health care provider” includes close to all entities in the business of doctors, … Read More ›
Last-minute tax tips for procrastinators and tax day freebies
by Christina Salvo, KABC-TV
Procrastinators who have yet to file their taxes have until midnight. Some retailers are offering freebies Monday to help relieve your tax-day woes. Read More ›
Why labels on genetically engineered foods won’t cost consumers a dime
by Zack Kaldveer and Ronnie Cummins, California Progress Report
One simple label to identify GMO foods (often using the genes of foreign bacteria and viruses) would lead more consumers to seek out non-GMO alternatives. That is why Monsanto is fighting labeling. Read More ›
Legislators threaten to kill state medical board
by Lisa Girion and Scott Glover, Los Angeles Times
Lawmakers warn that they will let the agency expire next year if it doesn’t become more aggressive in taking action against dangerous doctors. Read More ›
The 5 biggest online privacy threats of 2013
by Melissa Riofrio, PC World
Your online life may not seem worth tracking, but the data you generate is a rich trove of information that says more about you than you realize. Read More ›
Saturday mail delivery elimination plan delayed by postal service
by Pauline Jelinek, Huffington Post
The beleaguered U.S. Postal Service backed down from its cost-saving plan to eliminate Saturday mail delivery, acknowledging that Congress barred a move that supporters said was essential to addressing the agency’s dire financial condition. Read More ›
AB 553 would protect elderly against reverse mortgages (2-year bill)
Co-sponsored by CFC, the bill would help ensure that seniors understand the reverse mortgage before signing a contract; it has become a 2-year bill. Read More ›
Ticket turf war heats up in Sacramento
by Melody Gutierrez, Sacramento Bee
Two ticket-selling giants have brought an industry turf war to Sacramento, with both sides claiming to represent fans’ rights as they compete over billions in proceeds from concerts and sporting events. Read More ›
What privacy rights do I have in the workplace?
Employers are frequently using monitoring software to make their employees more productive at work…although the Constitution speaks of a “reasonable” expectation of privacy, this is not applicable at private employers. Read More ›
TracFone’s ‘get out of jail free’ legislation removed by author
TracFone is sponsoring a bill that would give public utility companies, individuals, and private corporations the ability to not be responsible for their actions, if they claim that CPUC staff advised them.
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AB 462 would save lives of elderly with sprinkler systems (2-year bill)
Fire sprinklers should be viewed as a necessary investment in protecting the safety of vulnerable residents. CFC supported the bill, overdue legislation that would save lives. Read More ›