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Name 3 action steps you can take to keep patient health information confidential.
1. Make sure papers, documents, and reports containing patient information are shredded or destroyed in some way. 2. If fax and copy machines are used to send or copy patient information, make sure they are located away from public areas. 3. Always consider where you are when talking about confidential information. 4. Whether you are talking to a patient/family or with coworkers, try to keep your conversations from being overheard. 5. Keep confidential patient information out of public areas such as waiting rooms, conference rooms, receptionist desk or on white boards viewable by the public. 6. Don't assume the person with the patient knows all the information. 7. Be cautious when using a cell phone and talking about patient information. 8. Keep records safe and protected regardless of where they are kept.
PHI
What is Protected Health Information.
Do all patients have to take a "Notice of our Privacy Practices?"
No. We must offer it to everyone one time. If they refuse it, simply document the attempt to give it to them.
What does the HIPAA law seek to do?
HIPAA establishes that personal health information must be kept confidential.
Does your supervisor have access to review your entire personnel file?
No. There would be no need for your supervisor to have access to your health information to do their job.
HIPAA
What is The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
Obtained before releasing Protected Health Information for purposes other than treatment, payment, and operations.
What is a written patient authorization.
Can we leave message for a patient about an upcoming appointment?
Yes, as long as no specific health information is included in the message.
Protected health information includes information about...
1. a person's health, health care, or payment of health care (the term "health" includes mental health and behavioral health issues) 2. information that identifies a person 3. services created or received by a covered health care plan or provider.
Name two acceptable forms of HIPAA transmission.
What is 1. fax with cover sheet 2. encrypted email 3. verbal within discreet location 4. patient portal
Define the term "Business Associate"
What is a person or entity who provides certain functions, activities, or services for Hearts for Hearing, involving the use and/or disclosure of protected health information, other than a member of our workforce.
Who may receive patient information when patient is in DHS custody?
Who is DHS (legal guardian of patient).
Can I release PHI to a patient's spouse?
Yes, we can release PHI to a patient's spouse, relative, or close friend if we can reasonably infer that the patient does not object and that it will be in the patient's best interest, or that person is listed in the disclosure of information.
Do the same requirements apply to mental health records and to medical records?
In general, yes; however, - "Behavioral therapy notes" are accorded special privacy protections under this regulation. Ordinarily, a written patient consent is required before behavioral therapy notes can be disclosed to anyone. - A health plan may not condition a patient's enrollment or eligibility on the provision of the patient's authorization or consent for disclosure of behavioral therapy notes. - Behavioral therapy notes are excluded from the provision that gives patients the right to see and copy their health information.
Can we fax PHI?
Yes, if standard precautions are taken to ensure reasonable security of the transmitted data.
During what presidential administration was the HIPAA standards enacted?
What is the Clinton adminstration.
Name at least 2 circumstances under which protected health information may be disclosed without a patient's consent or authorization.
1. disclosures required by law 2. permitted disclosures for public health activities (such as reporting diseases, collecting vital statistics, etc.) 3. disclosure about victims of abuse, neglect or domestic violence 4. health oversight activities 5. disclosures for judicial or administrative proceedings 6. disclosure for law enforcement purposes 7. use and disclosure for research purposes 8. disclosures to avert a serious threat to health or safety 9. disclosure for continuity of care when making or receiving referrals.
Can I discuss a patient's situation with them on the phone when other patients are at the desk or in the lobby?
You may, but caution should be used to minimize exposure to others, this is an example of an incidential disclosure that is unavoidable in day to day practice.
Name 2 circumstances when behavioral therapy notes may be disclosed without consent or authorization:
1. When needed to defend a lawsuit against the therapist by the individual who is the subject of the notes. 2. To HHS when required for enforcement of the privacy rule. 3. When required by law 4. When needed for oversight of the provider who created the notes. 5. To a coroner or medical examiner 6. When needed to avert a serious and imminent threat to health or safety.
Can I share a patient's PHI with their insurance company?
Yes. This is considered part of treatment, payment or health care operation and does not require the patient's authorization. Only the minimum information is shared.
What country singer's medical records were sold to the National Enquirer and Star tabloids by a hospital employee for $2,610?
Who is Tammy Wynette
"Minimum necessary HIPAA rule"
What is information that cannot be shared if you do not need the information to do your job.
Can an adult who is not a child's parent or legal guardian accompany them to a medical appointment? Can we share the child's PHI with them?
From a strictly HIPAA standpoint, yes, but other regulations governing minors may still mandate that parental consent is documented.
Notice of Privacy Practices: Name 2 of the 5 rights individuals have within the Privacy Rule.
1. What is the Right to receive a “Notice of Privacy Practices” 2. Right to authorize any use or disclosure of protected health information 3. Right to restrict use or disclosure of protected health information 4. Right to an accounting of disclosure of protected health information 5. Right to inspect, copy and request amendments to protected health information
Can we discuss a patient's PHI with other providers involved in their care or other provider to whom we are referring them?
Yes. This is part of treatment and does not require authorization.