Protecting Patient Privacy

2. Every patient needs to feel that they are able to come to a
medical professional and safely give the necessary
information to receive treatment. If they do not have this
trust, it will be inherently more difficult to diagnose a patient
and treatment could be delayed.

3. As health care professionals we are required to protect and
properly handle the confidential information we are given by
patients. This is outlined for health care professionals in the
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act that was
passed in 1996 by Congress.

4. Every patient, regardless of their background, deserves the right
to privacy. We would not want our personal information placed
into the hands of a stranger and we must respect that desire of
others. A breach of confidentiality occurs when a patients
information in viewed or disclosed for reasons other then that
patient receiving care.

5.  Consequences can be severe due to the nature of information
that can be exposed.
 Severe fines for both the individual and health care
organization
 Possible jail time
 Loss of license and postition

6.  Only seek and share information on patient that is under your
care and requires service from you.
 Take care who you talk to and where you are talking.
 Remain professional regardless of background of patient.