KENTUCKY REGIONAL EXTENSION CENTER

Webinars

HIPAA Security Rule Gets a Makeover: Let’s Break it Down – Watch Now!

Public Webinar Available Now: HIPAA Security Rule Gets a Makeover – Let’s Break it Down

 

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Strengthen Cybersecurity for Electronic Protected Health Information (NPRM) on Jan 6, 2025. This will be the first major update to the HIPAA Security Rule since the HIPAA Omnibus Rule in 2013.

These proposed changes bring about new requirements, including:

  • Vulnerability scanning
  • Penetration testing
  • Patch management
  • Network segmentation
  • Data backup testing
  • Multi-factor authentication
  • Security incident planning and testing
  • HIPAA compliance audits
  • Business associate delegation
  • Guidelines for ongoing maintenance


This webinar provides an overview of the proposed changes and expected timelines for regulated entities to meet compliance with the new rule. The proposed rule seeks to strengthen cybersecurity by updating the Security Rule’s standards to better address ever-increasing cybersecurity threats to the health care sector. While the Department is undertaking this rulemaking, the current Security Rule remains in effect.

For more information about the proposed rule for HIPAA Security, please follow the links below:

Fact Sheet: “HIPAA Security Rule Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Strengthen Cybersecurity for Electronic Protected Health Information

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) – “HIPAA Security Rule To Strengthen the Cybersecurity of Electronic Protected Health Information

Contact the experts at Kentucky REC with all your HIPAA Privacy and Security questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.

 

HIPAA Security Rule Gets a Makeover – Let’s Break it Down – Webinar Mar 27

HIPAA Security Rule Gets a Makeover – Let’s Break it Down

Public Webinar to be released Thursday March 27

 

Fill out this brief REGISTRATION FORM to be among the first to receive this webinar recording.

HHS Announces Proposed Changes to the HIPAA Security Rule!

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Strengthen Cybersecurity for Electronic Protected Health Information (NPRM) on Jan 6, 2025. This will be the first major update to the HIPAA Security Rule since the HIPAA Omnibus Rule in 2013. These proposed changes bring about new requirements, including:

  • Vulnerability scanning
  • Penetration testing
  • Patch management
  • Network segmentation
  • Data backup testing
  • Multi-factor authentication
  • Security incident planning and testing
  • HIPAA compliance audits
  • Business associate delegation
  • Guidelines for ongoing maintenance

This webinar will provide an overview of the proposed changes and expected timelines for regulated entities to meet compliance with the new rule. This proposed rule seeks to strengthen cybersecurity by updating the Security Rule’s standards to better address ever-increasing cybersecurity threats to the health care sector.

While the Department is undertaking this rulemaking, the current Security Rule remains in effect.

HHS encourages all stakeholders, including patients and their families, health plans, health care providers, health care professional associations, consumer advocates, and government entities, to submit comments through regulations.gov.

For more information about the newly proposed rule for HIPAA Security, please follow the links below:

Fact Sheet: “HIPAA Security Rule Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Strengthen Cybersecurity for Electronic Protected Health Information
https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/security/hipaa-security-rule-nprm/factsheet/index.html

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) – “HIPAA Security Rule To Strengthen the Cybersecurity of Electronic Protected Health Information

Contact the experts at Kentucky REC with all your HIPAA Privacy and Security questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.

 

QPP 2025 Public Webinar: Final Rule – Watch Now

QPP Year 9: 2025 Final Rule Overview
Available Now: Friday January 31, 2025

Key QPP Updates from the 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule

With the release of the 2025 Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program Final Rule in late 2024, CMS finalized programmatic changes impacting your practice in 2025 and future performance years.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
• MVP Continued Expansion:
addition of 6 new MIPS Value Pathways (MVPs) and consolidation of two existing neurological MVPs
• Cost: 6 new episode-based cost measures added to the Cost Performance category, further emphasizing value-based care
• Improvement Activities: Revamp of category weighting and requirements
• APP Track & MSSP: Required measure set expansion for MSSP participants via APP Plus
• Advanced APMs: QP status determination changes and finalized updates to QPP Lump Sum Bonus payouts

Register and view this on-demand analysis to stay in the know as we explore critical elements of MVPS, APP and Traditional MIPS tracks of the Quality Payment Program.

Contact YOUR experts at Kentucky REC with all your QPP, MIPS/MVP, and APM Track questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.

 

The CMS 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule overview, QPP, and MSSP Fact Sheets are available through the links below.

PFS Fact Sheet

MSSP Fact Sheet

QPP Fact Sheet: https://qpp-cm-prod-content.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/3057/2025-QPP-Policies-Final-Rule-Fact-Sheet.pdf

 

QPP 2025 Public Webinar: Final Rule – Release Date Jan 31

QPP Year 9: 2025 Final Rule Overview
Release Date: Friday January 31, 2025

Key QPP Updates from the 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule

With the release of the 2025 Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program Final Rule in late 2024, CMS finalized programmatic changes impacting your practice in 2025 and future performance years.

Sign up today to view the Kentucky Regional Extension Center’s QPP 2025: CMS PFS & Quality Payment Program Final Rule Overview on Friday, January 31st, 2025.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
• MVP Continued Expansion:
addition of 6 new MIPS Value Pathways (MVPs) and consolidation of two existing neurological MVPs
• Cost: 6 new episode-based cost measures added to the Cost Performance category, further emphasizing value-based care
• Improvement Activities: Revamp of category weighting and requirements
• APP Track & MSSP: Required measure set expansion for MSSP participants via APP Plus
• Advanced APMs: QP status determination changes and finalized updates to QPP Lump Sum Bonus payouts

Fill out this brief REGISTRATION FORM to be among the first to receive this webinar recording.

Contact YOUR experts at Kentucky REC with all your QPP, MIPS/MVP, and APM Track questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.

 

The CMS 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule overview, QPP, and MSSP Fact Sheets are available through the links below.

PFS Fact Sheet

MSSP Fact Sheet

QPP Fact Sheet: https://qpp-cm-prod-content.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/3057/2025-QPP-Policies-Final-Rule-Fact-Sheet.pdf

 

Watch Now! TEAM Model APM – for Acute Care Hospitals

TEAM Model APM – Transforming Episode Accountability Model for Acute Care Hospitals

Available Now: Friday Nov 15, 2024

On November 15th, your trusted REC experts released a webinar focusing on CMS’s recently announced new MANDATORY payment arrangement: Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM). This model is set to launch January 1st, 2026 for selected acute care hospitals in 188 core-based statistical areas (CBSAs).

Many Kentucky hospitals will be required to participate in this first phase, specifically hospitals located in:

Bowling Green
Corbin
Glasgow
Lexington-Fayette
Middlesboro

This model is a 5-year project beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2030.

You will receive regulatory analysis of this new program and information on: episodes of care; timelines; financial up-side and down-side risk glidepaths; and other need-to-know elements set forth by CMS in this new model.

For further information:
CMS TEAM Model Hospital Registration (Primary Hospital Contact for FY26 Mandatory Participants).

For more information on the upcoming TEAM Model

To receive future CMS announcements, join the CMS Listserv.

REGISTER TODAY to be in-the-know on this very important topic impacting clinicians and Acute Care Hospitals across Kentucky and the nation.

For details and more information on TEAM from CMS, visit HERE.

Contact YOUR experts at Kentucky REC with all your QPP, MIPS/MVP, and APM Track questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.

 

Kentucky Hospitals! TEAM Model APM Webinar Release Date: Friday Nov 15

TEAM Model APM – Transforming Episode Accountability Model for Acute Care Hospitals

TEAM Model APM Pre-Recorded Webinar
Release Date: Friday, 11/15/2024

On November 15th, your trusted REC experts will release a pre-recorded webinar focusing on CMS’s recently announced new MANDATORY payment arrangement: Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM). This model is set to launch January 1st, 2026 for selected acute care hospitals in 188 core-based statistical areas (CBSAs).

Many Kentucky hospitals will be required to participate in this first phase, specifically hospitals located in:

Bowling Green
Corbin
Glasgow
Lexington-Fayette
Middlesboro

This model is a 5-year project beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2030.

Our experts will provide regulatory analysis of this new program and will explore: episodes of care; timelines; financial up-side and down-side risk glidepaths; and other need-to-know elements set forth by CMS in this new model.

REGISTER TODAY to be in-the-know on this very important topic impacting clinicians and Acute Care Hospitals across Kentucky and the nation.

For details and more information on TEAM from CMS, visit HERE.

Contact YOUR experts at Kentucky REC with all your QPP, MIPS/MVP, and APM Track questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.

 

 

QPP Webinar Oct 15: Hidden Quality Measures

QPP Webinar: HIDDEN QUALITY MEASURES: UNDERSTANDING IMPACTS OF ADMINISTRATIVE CLAIMS QUALITY PERFORMANCE*
Tuesday OCTOBER 15, 2024 @ 12PM ET

Did you know that your practice may be scored on more than the six required quality measures you submit to the Quality Payment Program (QPP)? While eligible clinicians and group practices are required to submit six clinical quality measures to receive a score for the quality performance category, there are an additional four administrative claims-based measures that may potentially impact your overall performance in the QPP.

Learn how these measures are triggered for inclusion and what you need to know to best prepare for evaluation. You will gain insight into the linkages between these “hidden” measures and their influence in the overall MIPS performance and future payment adjustments for your organization.

Interested in becoming a QPP client? As a client, you receive exclusive access to our analysis of all aspects of the Quality Payment Program. To speak with the team on how we can best support you, feel free to contact us HERE.

Mark your calendars for “HIDDEN QUALITY MEASURES: UNDERSTANDING IMPACTS OF ADMINISTRATIVE CLAIMS QUALITY PERFORMANCE*” on Tuesday, October 15th at 12pm EST.

*This webinar is for Kentucky REC contracted QPP clients only. If you are interested in this topic and would like to learn more about becoming a client, please contact us at (859) 323-3090 or email us at KYRec@uky.edu. We aim to be your trusted healthcare advisor!

QPP Webinar Sept 17: Claims-based Quality Reporting

QPP Webinar: CLAIMS-BASED QUALITY REPORTING OPTIMIZATION FOR SMALL PRACTICES & INDIVIDUAL ECS*
Tuesday SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 @ 12PM ET

Participation in CMS’s Quality Payment Program (QPP) often poses a reporting challenge to individual clinicians and small practices without an electronic health record or other CMS-approved quality reporting mechanisms. One of the flexibilities CMS provides to these clinicians and small practices is the option of claims-based reporting for the quality performance category.

This method allows practices to report on clinical quality measures using data collected from Medicare Part B Claims submission, reducing financial burden often associated with the program.

Kentucky REC advisors will share valuable insights and practical guidance on how to navigate the QPP and achieve success through claims-based reporting.

KEY TOPICS:
• Understanding Part B Claims Reporting: Gain valuable insight as we cover specific requirements and processes for reporting clinical quality measures using claims data.
• Preparing for Success: Participants will learn best practices for readying their organization for claims-based reporting, including workflow modification, quality performance monitoring, and data validation.
• Navigating Part B Claims: This session will review how to interpret claims measure specifications to better compare your billing practices and measure requirements for the quality performance category of Traditional MIPS and MIPS Value Pathways (MVPs).

Interested in becoming a QPP client? As a client, you receive exclusive access to our analysis of all aspects of the Quality Payment Program. To speak with the team on how we can best support you, feel free to contact us HERE.

Mark your calendars for “CLAIMS-BASED QUALITY REPORTING OPTIMIZATION FOR SMALL PRACTICES & INDIVIDUAL ECS*” on Tuesday, September 17 at 12pm EST.

*This webinar is for Kentucky REC contracted QPP clients only. If you are interested in this topic and would like to learn more about becoming a client, please contact us at (859) 323-3090 or email us at KYRec@uky.edu. We aim to be your trusted healthcare advisor!

Kentucky REC Annual Conference Oct 24: Human Factors Design

Hybrid Event with Special Guest Speakers – In Person and Online

Oct. 24 2024, Lexington Kentucky, The Campbell House

Human-Factors Design: Quality Improvement Strategy with Intention

Speaker: Jessica Elliott, Kentucky REC

It is not uncommon in many healthcare organizations to view and address improving patient safety and quality outcomes as separate functions. This separation can result in unintended consequences leading to patient harm and poor outcomes. In To Err is Human, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) argued that most medical errors are caused by poorly designed systems and processes and not the individual.

In the nearly 25 years since publication, healthcare has continued to struggle in shifting this mindset. We cannot redesign humans, but we can redesign the system within which humans work. Implementing a human-factors design approach reduces the likelihood of errors and positively impacts clinical outcomes. This presentation will discuss core concepts of human-factors design principles and their application in the creation of a safe, efficient, and patient-centered clinical care environment.

Questions? Contact us at Kentucky REC or call us at 859-323-3090.

Keynote Speaker Oct 24 Annual Conference: Harold Dennis Jr

Hybrid Event with Special Guest Speakers – In Person and Online

Oct. 24 2024, Lexington Kentucky, The Campbell House

Keynote Speaker: Harold Dennis Jr

HAROLD DENNIS is a motivational speaker and one of the survivors of our nation’s deadliest drinking and driving related crashes – the Carrollton Bus Crash in Carrollton KY, May 14, 1988, which killed 27 people. Harold was 14 years old when the crash occurred.

After a high school and collegiate career in sports, Harold went on to earn his Master’s Degree and is a Board-Certified Physician Assistant. Harold has spoken at events for a variety of major organizations on both subjects pertaining to alcohol and substance abuse, as well as beating the odds and overcoming adversity. Harold’s unique experiences and leadership roles reflect lessons learned in a multitude of areas relevant to achievement in today’s dynamic business environment.

Questions? Contact us at Kentucky REC or call us at 859-323-3090.

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