Confidentiality refers to rules that limit access to certain types of information, such as individually identifiable health information, as defined by the HIPAA Privacy Rule. A breach of confidentiality can result in identity theft, civil penalties such as fines, and criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment. It is important for healthcare workers to be thoroughly trained, to never share login credentials, always log off computers, and only access information if needed to protect patient privacy and confidentiality.

1. CONFIDENTIALITY

2. What is Confidentiality
and why it is so
important?
Confidentiality is defined as a set of rules or
a
promise that limits access or places
restrictions
on certain types of information

3. HIPAA PRIVACY RULE
 Became effect in 1996
 Provides federal protections for individually
identifiable health information
 Allows patients rights with respect to the
information
 Permits disclosure of health information needed
for patient care and other important purposes

4. Consequences of breach
of confidentiality
 Patient information can be leaked
 Identity theft from breach of security
 Civil penalties
 Monetary fines
 Criminal Penalties
 Monetary fines
 Imprisonment

5. REMINDERS
 Thoroughly train all employees on
electronic medical record
 Never share passwords or let someone
work under your code
 Always log off when away from
computer
 Never access or discuss information if
there is not a need

6. SAFETY
 Employers should perform random audits
 Have mandatory inservices and meetings
to discuss consequences of breach of
confidentiality
 Termination
 Monetary penalties
 Imprisonment
 Loss of licensure

7. REFERENCES
 http://www.foxnews.com/story/2008/08/06/report
-over-120-ucla-hospital-staff-saw-celebrity-health-records/
 http://www.pressregister.com/