What Is HIPPA?
Ways To Protect Privacy
- PHI documents must be shredded - PCR's should be inside envelope, not exposed on a desk or dashboard - avoid unnecessary use of identifying info during radio transmission
Incidental Disclosures
- a PD officer overhearing a paramedics confidential conversation with another paramedic - allowed as long as reasonable safeguards are in place
Patient Rights
- a written notice of info practices from health plans/providers - view and obtain a copy of their PHI with a written request - consent before info is released - complain about violations
Media Releases
- don't use patient names or info that might ID them - don't identify specific injuries or medical conditions
Sharing PHI with PD (without authorization)
- firearm injuries - warrant, court order, subpoena - to ID or locate a suspect or crime scene
HIPAA Regulations Apply To?
- health care providers who transmit health info electronically - all patient care documentation recorded by health care providers
Sharing PHI with PD (with authorization)
- info about patient who is a suspected crime victim - victim who has died from a crime to PD, coroner - inmates health care
Release of Info to Family
- may be disclosed as long as the patient has had the chance to verbally agree or object and the PHI is relevant to the family members involvement in the patients case - if the patient is a minor or incompetent, the info can be released
PHI Used for Payment
- may be released by one provider to another to assist in billing - hospital may release a "face sheet" to pre-hospital providers
What Can PHI be Used for?
- payment - treatment and health care operations without patient authorization - when required by law - to an agency for victims of abuse - for organ donation - when subpoenaed
Purpose of HIPAA
- protect the confidentiality of individuals' medical records, and personal health information - limits the use and release of PHI - gives patients the right to access their medical records
What Does PHI Pertain?
Any personally identifiable info - name, address, birthdate, telephone #, e-mail address, social security, names of family members, health insurance info, certificate/license number, fingerprints, photos
"The Need To Know"
Ex.) lab tech in the ED only needs to know patient's communicable disease status, not their whole history
"Privacy Rule"
Individuals may only have access to the PHI they need to perform their job functions
Release of PHI - Disasters
May disclose to public or private disaster relief agencies to coordinate notification of family and friends regarding patients location, condition or death
PHI
Personal Health Information
HIPAA
The Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act - was passed into law august 21, 1996
