Privacy
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.
assault
a threat to harm a person, resulting in the person feeling fearful that he will be harmed.
financial abuse
the improper or illegal use of a person’s money, possessions, property, or other assets.
neglect
the failure to provide needed care that results in physical, mental, or emotional harm to a person.
professionalism
behaving properly when working; it includes how a person dresses, the words he uses, and the things he talks about.
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.
battery
the intentional touching of a person without her consent.
psychological abuse
emotional harm caused by threatening, scaring, humiliating, intimidating, isolating, or insulting a person, or by treating him as a child.
active neglect
the purposeful failure to provide needed care, resulting in harm to a person.
compassionate
being caring, concerned, considerate, empathetic, and understanding.
confidentiality
the legal and ethical principle of keeping information private
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
physical abuse
any treatment, intentional or not, that causes harm to a person’s body.
passive neglect
the unintentional failure to provide needed care, resulting in physical, mental, or emotional harm to a person.
conscientious
guided by a sense of right and wrong; principled.
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.
domestic violence
physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by spouses, intimate partners, or family members.
sexual harassment
any unwelcome sexual advance or behavior that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.
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
sympathy
sharing in the feelings and difficulties of others.
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.
verbal abuse
the use of spoken or written words, pictures, or gestures that threaten, embarrass, or insult a person.
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.
malpractice
injury to a person due to professional misconduct through negligence, carelessness, or lack of skill.
empathy
identifying with the feelings of others.