Brief overview on confidentiality & breach of information

1. Jaturah Jefferson
MHA 690- Health Care Capstone
Dr. David Cole
July 24, 2014

2. What Is Confidentiality?
A legal and ethical concept that establishes the
healthcare provider’s responsibility for protecting
health records and other personal and private
information from unauthorized use or disclosure
(LaTour, 2010).

3. Breach of Information
Breach means the unauthorized acquisition, access,
use, or disclosure of protected health information
which compromises the security or privacy of such
information, except where an unauthorized person to
whom such information is disclosed would not
reasonably have been able to retain such information
(Hipaa, 2014).

4. Avoiding Breaches/Violations
Enforce effective security measures:
Username/Password Logins
Encrypt all electronic devices
Never disclose information without retaining proper
authorization

5. Avoiding Breaches/Violations
Enforce effective security measures:
Never share username/password logins
Always log off EMR sessions
Never access PHI without necessary reason

6. Consequences
Effective training on confidentiality can prevent a lot
of legal dilemmas
Employees could be terminated
Violating HIPAA Privacy Rule could result in jail time
and/or fees that have to be paid

7. References
LaTour, K. (2010). Health Information Management:
Concepts, Principles, and Practice. 3rd Edition.
Chicago, IL: AHIMA
www.hipaa.com