Healthcare administrators not only oversee an organization or team’s processes and procedures but must also know current legal and policy trends that could impact their practice and patients. From an influx of technology to the extent of patient rights, the healthcare industry is ripe for legal discussions and their possible ramifications for patients and care access.
What Is Healthcare Administration?
Healthcare administration is a growing career field focused on managing a medical office or healthcare organization. According to Indeed, individuals in these roles typically perform human resources duties, like hiring, training and scheduling. However, depending on the organization, some healthcare administrators may also manage patients’ medical records and the organization’s services and finances.
Avila University’s online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Healthcare Administration program equips graduates with business and healthcare knowledge to address these modern legal issues and maintain continuity of care. In the Special Problems in Healthcare Management course, Avila University students explore the unique aspects of managing healthcare facilities and develop strategies and techniques to address issues arising in health services organizations (HSOs). Additionally, the Current Issues in Healthcare Administration course allows students to analyze industry trends and various topics related to care delivery.
What Are the Top Current Legal Issues in Healthcare?
There is no shortage of legal issues facing healthcare administrators. Between the extensive and ever-changing laws and policies governing healthcare services and patient rights, administrators should stay informed of emerging legal trends to remain compliant and mitigate potential risks for their organizations. The following are some examples of such topics in healthcare:
Telehealth
The rapid expansion of telehealth services has raised legal questions in the healthcare community.
Healthcare administrators must ensure their organizations follow interstate licensure laws, which may require healthcare providers to obtain medical licenses in all states where telehealth patients reside. Lack of compliance can lead to criminal and civil charges. They must also adhere to payers’ specific guidelines for reimbursement eligibility amid ongoing privacy and security concerns connected with newer telehealth technology.
Privacy and Security
While the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets standards for protecting patients’ sensitive health information, the sheer quantity and breadth of health data collected today requires increasing scrutiny and safeguards.
The Office for Civil Rights has proposed several HIPAA updates, including “allowing patients to inspect PHI (personal health information) in person and take notes or photographs of their PHI,” notes HIPAA Journal. The changes would also decrease the maximum time to provide access to PHI from 30 days to 15 days. Healthcare administrators must implement robust policies and procedures to secure PHI, comply with HIPAA regulations and avoid penalties.
Healthcare Equity
Addressing healthcare disparities and promoting equitable access to care are crucial legal and ethical considerations for administrators. For example, data from the Urban Institute Health Policy Center found that “black patients experienced significantly worse quality of care compared to white patients in six of the 11 patient safety quality indicators that measure rates of adverse patient safety events, including five out of seven surgery-related safety indicators.”
Healthcare administrators play a vital role in developing initiatives to eliminate barriers to healthcare services and foster equitable treatment for all patients.
Long-term Care
With an aging population, the regulation of long-term care facilities has gained renewed attention. Administrators must navigate complex rules governing staffing ratios, quality of care, reimbursement and resident rights to maintain the highest standards of safety and care.
Pursue a Career in Healthcare Administration With Avila University
Healthcare administrators help keep the nation’s medical facilities functioning at peak performance. Students in Avila University’s online MBA in Healthcare Administration program develop a comprehensive understanding of business and healthcare principles. With insights gained through courses like Current Issues in Healthcare Administration, Behavior, Well-being & Ethics, and Special Problems in Healthcare Management, graduates can navigate complex issues in dynamic and evolving healthcare environments.
Learn more about Avila University’s online MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Administration program.
