PHI & Confidentiality
What does PHI stand for?
Protected Health Information
What is cultural competence?
The ability to effectively communicate and interact with people from diverse cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds
Should you use your personal phone during work hours for non-emergencies?
No
Can a patient refuse treatment?
Yes
What should you do before beginning any testing procedure?
Read written protocols and listen to verbal instructions from the supervising therapist
Name three examples of PHI
Patient names, addresses, phone numbers (also acceptable: email addresses, dates of birth, medical records, diagnoses, treatment notes, insurance information, photos, appointment schedules
True or False: You should rely on children to interpret for patients who don't speak English.
False — always use professional interpreters or approved translation services
What type of listening involves giving the speaker your full attention, making eye contact, and using reflective techniques?
Active listening
What must patients receive before consenting to any procedure or treatment?
Information about the risks, benefits, and alternatives (informed consent)
Name two safety measures to use during patient testing
Explain the test to the patient and provide physical assistance
What federal law sets the standard for protecting sensitive patient information?
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) of 1996
What is the "teach-back" method?
Confirming patient understanding by having the patient repeat or demonstrate the information or instructions you provided
What type of statement should you use during conflict to express your perspective without assigning blame?
"I" statements
Do patients have the right to know who has accessed their medical records?
Yes
Should you modify or skip steps in a standardized testing protocol?
No
What is the "minimum necessary" standard?
Only access or disclose the least amount of information required to perform your job task
What is the difference between explicit and implicit bias?
Explicit bias is conscious and intentional; implicit bias is unconscious and can influence behavior without awareness
Name three elements of maintaining a professional appearance
Clean uniform, proper hygiene, neat hair (also acceptable: short/clean nails, minimal jewelry/makeup, closed-toe shoes
What should you do if you witness unsafe or unethical behavior?
Report it to a supervisor immediately and follow facility reporting procedures
What should you do if you observe signs of pain, distress, or instability during testing?
Stop the test immediately and alert the supervising therapist
What is the maximum fine per HIPAA violation?
$50,000
Give one example of a clinic practice that helps protect patient information
Examples: locking paper charts, shredding documents, using private sign-in procedures, requiring staff to log out of computers, or holding privacy trainin
What should you do if you cannot resolve a workplace conflict directly with the other person?
Involve a supervisor or follow the facility's escalation policy
What is the Patient's Bill of Rights?
A list of the basic rights patients have when receiving healthcare
What key details should be included in test documentation?
Time, type of test performed, patient response, specific measurements, notable reactions, signature, and date