Discuss HIPPA. Include important consideration when communicating confidential patient information

What will be an ideal response?

ANSWER: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA ) was passed in August of 1996 declares it is illegal to breach patient confidentiality as outlined in the act. Over the past few years, patients have become more and more familiar with the rules and laws associated with HIPAA, as well as their rights. If a patient feels as though confidentiality pertaining to his or her healthcare has been breached, he or she has the opportunity to file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Medical professionals who breach patient confidentiality risk not only losing their jobs, but also possible litigation. There are a few things to consider when communicating confidential patient information. Healthcare professionals should only have access to patient files when they are working with the patient's direct care. Patient information should only be communicated with only those who need to have direct contact with the patient in order to provide healthcare. Only the required information that is needed should be shared. It is unacceptable to discuss confidential patient information within hearing-range of anyone not associated with the patient's care. Also, if confidential patient information needs to be faxed to other healthcare providers, a HIPAA compliant fax cover sheet must be used.