HIPAA

●OBGYN has many lawsuits against them.

●Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (Portability = allows employers to have a

blank slate when going to a new place of work, employers can’t say “preexisting condition”).

●First came in 1996, not really in place until 1998.

●Standard for how providers and facilities protect patient info and more.

●Documentation, talking to other healthcare professionals about it.

○Can happen very quickly (the next day).

●Don’t say the name of the patient to anyone, including family (sister, brother, mom, dad, etc.),

because someone could overhear you.

○There are also no more names on patient rooms or on any boards (for patient activities).

●Keep all papers turned over.

●Computers must have privacy screens and must be turned towards you.

Adhere to:

1. Privacy Rule: don’t reveal patient information about diagnosis, treatment, medications,

prognosis, places referring to, unless authorized by the patient to do so.

a. You need to show that you take all precautions.

b. Protected health information - any treatment they receive: any tests, prescriptions,

medical sheets, electronic records, mental health notes - nothing can be given without

permission.

i. If information is needed for another doctor, then only give what is being asked,

nothing more.

2. Security rule: standards for health info in electronic format:

a. Physical: paper turning, security screens (for you)

b. Technical safeguards: ﬁrewalls, tech related (for facility)

i. Exception: an unconscious patient comes in, you can then ask people who brought

them in about information about them.

ii. Pharmacies can give medications to family and friends of the patient; it’s very

unregulated.

HIPAA not HIPPA

Pre-Health Professional Development (HLTH 3300)