Privacy
Abuse 1/1
Abuse 1/2
Neglect
Industry Expectations
100

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)


a federal law that requires health information be kept private and secure and that organizations take special steps to protect this information.

100

assault


a threat to harm a person, resulting in the person feeling fearful that he will be harmed.

100

financial abuse


the improper or illegal use of a person’s money, possessions, property, or other assets.

100

neglect


the failure to provide needed care that results in physical, mental, or emotional harm to a person.

100

professionalism


behaving properly when working; it includes how a person dresses, the words he uses, and the things he talks about.

200

protected health information (PHI) & what does it include? (7)


a person’s private health information, which includes name, address, telephone number, social security number, email address, and medical record number.

200

battery


the intentional touching of a person without her consent.

200

psychological abuse


emotional harm caused by threatening, scaring, humiliating, intimidating, isolating, or insulting a person, or by treating him as a child.

200

active neglect


the purposeful failure to provide needed care, resulting in harm to a person.

200

compassionate


being caring, concerned, considerate, empathetic, and understanding.

300

confidentiality


the legal and ethical principle of keeping information private

300

Signs of Abuse (12)

Yelling obscenities

Fear, apprehension, or fear of being alone

Poor self-control

Constant pain

Threatening to hurt others

Withdrawal or apathy

Alcohol or drug abuse

Agitation, anxiety, or signs of stress

Low self-esteem

Mood changes, confusion, or disorientation

Private conversations are not allowed, or the family member/caregiver is present during all conversations

Reports of questionable care by resident or her family

300

physical abuse


any treatment, intentional or not, that causes harm to a person’s body.

300

passive neglect


the unintentional failure to provide needed care, resulting in physical, mental, or emotional harm to a person.

300

conscientious


guided by a sense of right and wrong; principled.

400

These guidelines are essential to protecting residents’ privacy: (7)


Listen to or read messages in a private area.

Know with whom you are speaking on the phone.

Do not talk about residents in public.

Use confidential rooms for reports to care team members.

Be careful greeting resident’s family members in public.

Do not bring family or friends to the facility to meet residents.

Make sure health or personal information on a computer screen is not visible to others; be sure to log out after finishing computer work.

400

domestic violence


physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by spouses, intimate partners, or family members.

400

sexual harassment


any unwelcome sexual advance or behavior that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.

400

Signs that could indicate neglect include the following: (12)

Pressure injuries

Unclean body

Body lice

Unanswered call lights

Soiled bedding or incontinence briefs not being changed

Poorly-fitting clothing

Unmet needs relating to hearing aids, eyeglasses, etc.

Weight loss, poor appetite

Uneaten food

Dehydration

Fresh water or beverages not being offered regularly

Reports of not receiving prescribed medication by resident or her family

400

sympathy


sharing in the feelings and difficulties of others.

500

Additional Guidelines for protecting residents’ privacy (cont’d): (5)


Do not give confidential information in emails.

Do not share resident information, photos, or videos on any social networking site.

Make sure fax numbers are correct before faxing, and use a cover sheet with a confidentiality statement.

Do not leave documents where others may see them.

Store, file, or shred documents according to facility policy. If you find documents with a resident’s information on them, give them to the nurse.

500

verbal abuse


the use of spoken or written words, pictures, or gestures that threaten, embarrass, or insult a person.

500

sexual abuse


the forcing of a person to perform or participate in sexual acts against her will; includes unwanted touching, exposing oneself, and sharing pornographic material.

500

malpractice


injury to a person due to professional misconduct through negligence, carelessness, or lack of skill.

500

empathy


identifying with the feelings of others.

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