Topic: COVID-19
Federal Telehealth Updates

COVID-19 Email Phishing Against U.S. Healthcare Providers

The FBI issued a notice regarding email phishing attempts targeting healthcare providers. These phishing attempts leverage COVID-19 related subject lines and content in an attempt to distribute malicious attachments.

Selecting and Safely Using Collaboration Services for Telework

The National Security Agency (NSA) published a notice that includes criteria to consider when selecting an online collaboration tool as well as information on how to use online collaboration tools securely during COVID-19.

Telehealth Law and Ethics During Coronavirus COVID-19 (Podcast Episode)

Tiffany Chhuom, of EthTech, and Frances Schopick JD, MSW sit down with clinical psychologist Dr. Kirk for the Psychology in Seattle podcast to discuss all the latest updates from the federal government related to ethics, law and COVID-19 clinical practice.

Cyber Attack Quick Response Checklist

Following the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017, the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) developed a checklist and corresponding Infographic that identifies the steps for a HIPAA covered entity or business associate to take in response to a cyber-related security incident.

WHITE PAPER| COVID-19 VTC Exploitation

The increased use of video conferencing and online collaboration tools has led to an increase in malicious activity seeking to exploit the unsecure use of these tools. The HHS Health Sector Cybersecurity Coordination Center (HC3) released a white paper outlining ways these tools could be exploited and recommendations to mitigate these issues.

COVID-19 Cyber Threats Presentation From The HHS CyberSecurity Program

The HC3 also produced a brief on COVID-19 related cyber threats.  This brief includes details on the increase in COVID-19 related malicious activity as well as information on how COVID-19 themed phishing attacks and websites are used as lures to trick users into downloading malicious software or directing users to malicious websites.

Deadline Extended — CARES Provider Relief Funds Available!

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has extended the deadline to apply for provider relief funds through August 3.

To be eligible, you must be a provider that participates in the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Programs (CHIP).

CMS Approves Approximately $34 Billion for Providers with the Accelerated / Advance Payment Program for Medicare Providers

Learn about the accelerated/advance payment process, how to submit a request, and more.

DoD, VA Launch Joint Health Information Exchange

The Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs are also planning to extend their joint health information exchange network to CommonWell, which would connect the network to 15,000-plus providers.

COVID-19 Outbreak: Telemedicine Expanded for ABA Services

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Defense Health Agency (DHA) is expanding telemedicine options allowed under TRICARE’s Autism Care Demonstration. In addition to outcome measures, applied behavior analysis (ABA) supervisors and assistant behavior analysts may now provide parent/caregiver guidance via telehealth.

CMS Issues Guidance and Suspends Rules to Battle COVID-19

This guidances is aimed at reducing supervision and certification requirements, which will help practitioners to be hired quickly and perform work as allowed by their license.