Privacy & Security Inservice Protected Health Information, Personal Electronic Devices & Social Media
Background Federal laws HIPAA, Privacy HITECH, Security If you can identify the patient, HIPAA applies! Information/areas that you have access to solely due to your position as an employee are considered sensitive.
Always remember your role. HIPAA 101 Access/disclosure of PHI is permitted for the following reasons Treatment Payment Healthcare Operations Required by Law Authorized by the Patient Any access/use/disclosure outside of this is a violation. Always remember your role.
Types of Violations EMOTION FAILURE TO VERIFY Fax to wrong # RX to wrong patient Discharge instructions to wrong patient Letters/envelopes
Personal Electronic Device Policy Personal Electronic Devices may NEVER be used to capture, store, or transmit protected health information or sensitive business information. This includes photos, video and audio.
Personal Electronic Devices cont’d Use the patient’s device Be aware of background Employees can decide if they want to be in patient photos No photos, video, or audio of other employees without their consent.
PED Violation Examples Audio captured of patient Video taken during huddle Photos of sensitive work area Video of visitors
Social Networking The use of dedicated websites and applications to interact with other users, or to find people with similar interests to oneself. Facebook Twitter Instagram SnapChat Pinterest YouTube News Sites
Social Media First violation reported in March 2011 Most recent violation – August 2015 Difference between being “friendly” and being “friends/follower” on social media Violations By employee By employee family member Trying to help patient Trying to defend Baptist Health
Social Media Violation Examples Employee posts to SM and tags patient Patient captured in Valentine photo Employee’s child posts to news site Patient locates negative comments on SM Employee messages patient to defend treatment
Violations Based in Emotion Patient information is a tool used by provider but belongs to the patient. If you have “feelings” about patient information, STOP and re evaluate actions. Access to information is granted in your role as an employee. See slide 4. Can’t use system for personal reasons Role as a mother/caregiver Role as a visitor/friend
Discipline Policy Breach notification not required Written Counseling Breach notification required Written warning Malicious, personal gain, financial gain, access of protected classes (HIV, etc) Suspension or termination
What is Breach Notification? Certain violations require notification to patient “Harm” standard removed in 2013 Must be conducted within 60 days Breaches are reported to Office for Civil Rights Breaches damage our reputation and impede our mission.
Closing Thoughts If you disclose or cause to disclose, the violation is yours. Patient information is a tool you use to help perform your job. Privacy violations have lasting effects on your employment future. Corporate Compliance is here to help. Call us anytime!
Dana Williams, Privacy Officer Q U E S T I O N Dana Williams, Privacy Officer (501) 202-6776