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.

200

Two components of the HIPPA regulation.

What is the Privacy Rule and Security Standard.

300

Define the term "Business Associate"

What is a person or entity who provides certain functions, activities, or services for FSR, involving the use and/or disclosure of protected health information, other than a member of our workforce.

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.

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.

500

Can an parent or legal guardian accompany them to a medical appointment? 

What is authorization.  From a strictly HIPAA standpoint, yes, but make sure to ask the Patient for authorization, out of ear shot, prior to allowing access.  

What we need to know

100

What do the Privacy 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.

300

Do the same requirements apply to mental health records and to medical records?

What are highly protected records.  The release of these records is more stringent.    "Psychotherapy notes" are accorded special privacy protections under this regulation. Further, counseling, mental health records, records related to sexually transmitted diseases, genetic records and drug and alcohol treatment records are highly protected and require patient authorization with specific boxes checked or a court order for release.  

400

Name 2 circumstances when psychotherapy 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 inminent threat to health or safety.

500

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

More Q & A

100

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.

200

Do all clients 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.

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.