The document discusses the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality in healthcare organizations. It notes that confidentiality is a legal and ethical duty defined by laws and regulations to protect medical records. A breach of confidentiality occurs when private information is disclosed to a third party without consent and can result in mistrust, lawsuits, and disciplinary action against healthcare organizations. The Department of Health and Human Services has authority to impose monetary penalties on organizations for violations of health information privacy standards.

2.  Allows increased
access to data and
information
 Allows patients to be
treated efficiently
 Health care
organizations are
challenged to honor
and respect patient
confidentiality

3.  Maintaining patient confidentiality is a legal
and ethical duty. A health care organization’s
legal obligations are defined by the US
Constitution, by federal and state laws and
regulations, and by the courts. Such legislation
protects medical records and sensitive
information (e.g., HIV test results, genetic
screening information, mental health records,
and drug and alcohol abuse rehabilitation
information).

4.  A breach of confidentiality occurs when
disclosure is made to a third party without
patient consent or court order, of private
information learned within the patient-
physician relationship.
 Any breach in confidentiality can result in
mistrust and, possibly, a lawsuit and/or
disciplinary action

5. The United States Department of
Health & Human Services (HHS) has
the authority to impose monetary
penalties on healthcare organizations
of $100 to $50,000 or more per
violation depending upon the degree
of negligence and extent of harm
caused by noncompliance with the
federal health information privacy
standards, according to HHS