HIPAA

Hip Hip ah.....

100

Name 3 action steps you can take to keep client health information confidential.

1. Make sure papers, documents, and reports containing client 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 client/family or with coworkers, try to keep your conversations from being overheard. 5. Keep confidential client 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 client 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.

Strictly Jeopardy

100

Obtained before releasing Protected Health Information for purposes other than treatment, payment, and operations.

What is a written patient authorization.

200

PHI

What is Protected Health Information

300

HIPAA

What is The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

400

Name at least 2 circumstances under which protected health information may be disclosed without a client'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

500

"Minimum necessary HIPAA rule"

What is information that cannot be shared if you do not need the information to do your job.

Q and A

200

Can we leave message for a client about an upcoming appointment?

Yes, as long as no specific health information is included in the message.

300

Can I release PHI to a patient's spouse?

No, we can only release PHI to a patient's spouse, relative, or close friend if the patient has listed them on their chart as acceptable to release information to. 

400

Can I discuss a patient's situation with them on the phone when other clients 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.

What we need to know

100

What do the HIPPA regulations seek to do?

The privacy regulation establish that personal health information must be kept confidential.

200

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.

More Q & A

200

Do all clients have to sign 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.

300

Can we fax PHI?

Yes, if standard precautions are taken to ensure reasonable security of the transmitted data.

400

Can I share a patients 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.

500

Can we discuss a client'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.