Confidentiality refers to sensitive information that is given privately and not intended to be shared. This document outlines what types of information are considered sensitive, such as names, medical diagnoses, and treatment details. It discusses when limited sharing is allowed, such as for treatment purposes, and emphasizes disclosing only necessary minimal information. Guidelines are provided for handling media inquiries, anonymizing data where possible, and obtaining consent before disclosure. Laws like HIPAA create barriers to restrict unauthorized access to protected health information. Accountability and penalties are important to maintain patient trust. Software and policies aim to safeguard information access and detect misuse.

1. KNOW WHEN TO SHARE
AND
WHEN NOT TO

2. What is Confidentiality
Confidentiality–
Information that
is given in
private or secret
and is not
intended to be
shared with
others.

3. TYPES OF SENSITIVE INFORMATION
Personal Information
 Patient’s name
 Address
 Social Security number
 Age
Medical Information
• Diagnosis
• Treatment

4. When to share
Confidential/Sensitive Information
 Information is shared when it is needed to assist in
treatment, payment, or healthcare operations without
a patient’s express written authorization.
 In each case disclose minimal information necessary
to achieve its purpose

5. Handling the Media
 Inquires must be directed to the designated
Administrative staff
 Seek the consent of the patient to disclosure of
information
 Anonymise data where unidentifiable data will serve
the purpose
 Keep disclosure to the minimum necessary

6. HIPAA
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
Title II, part 2 of the HIPAA regulates the use and
the disclosure of Protected Health Information.
Privacy Rule
Creates a barrier to restrict the flow of PHI through the uses of
Electronic Health Records (EHR).
Security Rule
Directly addresses the means used by a covered entity to safeguard PHI
against unauthorized uses or disclosures.

7. ACCOUNTABILITY
 Confidentiality between the healthcare provider and
the patient provides the foundation to build a
relationship of trust.
 All health care providers and health care personnel
must uphold this confidence.
 There are Penalties for breaking confidence

8. Policy
 Software has built in safeguards to protect sensitive
information, where staff will have access to the
information based on their responsibilities.
 Software is set to periodically run system-wide checks
for misuse of patient information.
 Employee recognition and incentive programs

9. REFERENCES
Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996, Public Law 104-191.
http://www.cms.gov/HIPAAGenInfo/Downloads/ HIPAALaw.pdf. Accessed 3/5/2015
Ludwig, M., Burke, W., 2014. Physician-Patient Relationship. Ethics in Medicine, University
of Washington School of Medicine.
McGowan , Claire, 2012., Patient’ Confidentiality. Critical Care Nurse vol 32. No. 5