Continuing Care




		*HIPAA*

		Healthcare providers have a duty and responsibility to keep patient/resident information confidential - a federal law requires it. Failure to adhere to the provisions of the *Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act* of 1996 can result in fines and penalties. People often ask why this is necessary since confidentiality is the cornerstone of healthcare. However, recent studies indicate that many individuals believe that a member of the healthcare professions has violated their privacy. All members of the healthcare team, not just physicians and nurses, must keep health information confidential. Anything healthcare practitioners hear, see, or create in the course of their jobs must remain confidential. Unlike the requirements of other regulatory bodies, the rules and sanctions imposed by HIPAA are not just applicable to the healthcare institution. The intent of the law was to ensure that all individuals involved in the care of patients/residents recognize their own responsibility for maintaining privacy and confidentiality of the protected health information to which they have access. To ensure that this is the case, the rules require formal education of all employees and volunteers in the components of HIPAA as well as mandating that fines and penalties for violations be applied to the individual who may commit a breach. The criminal penalty for disclosing patient information without malicious intent is up to $50,000 plus one year in prison. If you have any questions about HIPAA please contact Elena McNutt, the Privacy Officer at Dukes Memorial Hospital. Her extension is 8012. Privacy begins with YOU! Points to Remember... Usually general patient information is NOT confidential. This includes name and date of admission. If the patient is admitted as "No Information" than no information may be given about this individual. Only share patient information with other healthcare workers on a "need-to-know" basis. Never share written or spoken patient information with strangers or anyone else without prior written consent from the patient. Even a patient's family members may not be privy to patient information. Never discuss patient information in public hallways, waiting areas or even in patient rooms when others can overhear. Do NOT discuss such information in social settings, such as restaurants, sports arenas, shopping centers, or parties. Be very careful when using cellular and cordless phones. ANYTHING you say can be heard by people operating police scanners - and that includes reporters who routinely monitor police radio frequencies. NEVER leave private medical information on anyone's voice mail or home answering machine. If the wrong person comes across this information, it can lead to problems for patients, especially people in abusive situations. DO NOT use office voice mail as a secure form of communication. It can be breached. Keep medical records in secured areas. Always secure computer data after use. NEVER allow another employee to use your computer identification. Each employee who needs an ID & Password will be assigned one by the Information Services Department. Each employee identification allows access to only designated information within the system. REMEMBER, patients have the right to request confidential communication of their health information. Sensitive information concerning personnel and management issues will be kept strictly confidential.
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