1. CN-AHEC Grand Island,Nebraska

2. Confidentiality - is essential for a patient and his or her healthcare provider.

3.  Confidentiality goes back as far as Hippocrates ( the father of medicine), “whatsoever I shall see or hear in the course of my profession, as well as outside of my profession, I will never divulge holding such things to be holy secret.”

4.  All information concerning patients is referred to as privileged information, and should only be shared with employees who are caring for the patient.

5.  Confidentiality means keeping all privileged information private. Including information pertaining to a patient’s:  -diagnosis  -medical history  -lifestyle

6.  While at work or job shadowing…. ◦ Discussion of patient’s privileged information should not be discussed in:  -elevators  -gift shops  -cafeteria  -hallway  -parking lot

7.  Healthcare professionals should respect confidentiality when treating competent minors by: ◦ -allowing them to verbally consent to medical treatment Confidentiality of minors can be breached when parents need to be informed of treatment or serious illness.

8.  Medical records are legal documents containing confidential information.  Medical records contain factual information.  Medical records contain information pertaining to the patients care.

9.  Medical professions can guard confidentiality by:  -not disclosing information without written consent  -when talking on the telephone to a patient, not use the patients name, if other’s in the room could overhear.  -when leaving a message on an answering machine, simply ask for the patient to return a call.

10.  CONFIDENTIALITY IS IMPORTANT……..  That is why healthcare facilities have policies like HIPAA

11.  HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

12.  HIPAA is a federal privacy law that health professionals must follow in order to keep patient medical information confidential.

13.  HIPPA affects every staff member, volunteer and job shadow participant.

14.  Everyone who works in healthcare facility know the important of confidentiality or patients.

15.  There are consequences if confidentiality is breached, such as:  -reprimand  -facility disciplinary action  -loss of privileges  -termination  -fines  -jail time

16.  AS A REMINDER…… ◦ DO NOT TALK ABOUT PATIENTS OR THEIR MEDICAL INFORMATION!!!!!!!

17.  It is “human nature” to want to share interesting information, but when dealing with patient medical information.  DO NOT SHARE!!!

18.  Do not share any details about any patient. Even if you think you are not breaking any rules by not using the patients name.  DO NOT SHARE!!!

19. If you have questions about what you should or should not share during your job shadowing experience….please ask.

20.  While job shadowing please remember: ◦ Do not share patient information with anyone. ◦ Learn all you can ◦ Ask questions ◦ Consider healthcare as a career ◦ ENJOY YOURSELF!!!

21.  There are two things that need to be completed prior to job shadowing-  1. brief exam  2. choose 2 of the 4 scenarios and describe potential consequences that may result.  Please click on the link on the HIPAA Training website to access the test and scenario

22. Thank you and Good Luck!