Privileged Communications HTR

Privileged communication definition-all information given to HCW by the patient PHI-Protected Health Information IT’s A LAW-must be KEPT CONFIDENTIAL

Can you share patient information Information must only be shared with the patient’s healthcare team. The patient must provide written consent to share health information with people outside their healthcare team. Consent must include: What information is being released, to whom it’s being released, and any time limits

Consent to share PHI Some information is exempt by law and must be reported: births and deaths injuries caused by violence drug abuse communicable disease STDs

Health Care Records or EHR Most facilities use Electronic Health Records (EHR) to document patient information. However, paper records still exist. The records belong to the HCF but patients have a right to obtain a copy of any information in the record.

Health Care Records=LEGAL DOCUMENT erasures not allowed-must cross out with single line, insert correct info, date and initial. must be stored properly in a locked and secure area kept confidential retained for length of time required by law shredded/incinerated if destroyed after legal retention time

HIPAA Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (1996) required the US Dept of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) establish standards to protect health information. PROTECTS information that Identifies a Patient

Privacy Rule USDHHS published the Privacy Rule which went into effect in 2003. must be able to obtain copies of their health care records be given information about how the HCP uses their health information allowed to set limits on how information is used right to state who has access and limit access to their information including family given information on how to file a privacy violation complaint

Technology and Health Information Use of Computers limiting access log-on ID and password protection