The document discusses the importance of acting ethically with patient records. It outlines the key parts of HIPAA including maintaining health insurance and ensuring security of patient information. Violations of HIPAA can result in fines up to $1.5 million, lawsuits, criminal charges, and job termination. It emphasizes respecting patient privacy, only using information for patient care, and treating information as you would want your own treated. Employees must undergo training on HIPAA laws and audits to protect information.

1. The Importance of Acting Ethically with
Patient Records
By Georgina Quinlan

2.  Ensures that individuals would be able to maintain
their health insurance between jobs. This is the
Health Insurance Portability part of the Act.
 The second part of the Act is the "Accountability"
portion. This section is designed to ensure the
security and confidentiality of patient
information/data. In addition, it mandates
uniform standards for electronic data transmission
of administrative and financial data relating to
patient health information.

3.  Fines/Penalties ranging from $100 to $1.5 million
depending on the nature, extent, and harm of
violation.
 Lawsuits
 Termination of Employment
 Criminal charges with fines ranging from $50,000
to $250,000 and imprisonment from 1 year to 10
years depending on the nature, extent, and harm of
violation.

4.  Respect for Patient Privacy
 Using Patient Information ONLY for Patient
Care
 Do NOT Disclose Patient information to
Anyone Not Affiliated with Patient Care
 Treat Patient Information How You Would
Want Your Information Treated

5.  Employees will undergo initial training of
HIPPA laws, violations, and consequences
upon hiring.
 Employees will undergo continued education
training every 6 months of HIPPA laws,
violations, and consequences.
 Employees will submit to audits of accounts to
monitor how patient information is being used.

6.  Never leave patient information accessible for
others to see.
 Always log out of computers before leaving
desk.
 Do not use computers for personal use because
they will be more vulnerable to be hacked.
 Do not share information with anyone unless
that person is an employee and has a justifiable
reason to have the information.
 Have a secure password and do not share it
with anyone.

7.  HIPPA Laws
 Consequences of Violating HIPPA Laws
 Ethical Behavior
 Training Requirements
 Way to Protect Patient Information and
Yourself