Health care organizations have a legal obligation to protect patient privacy under HIPAA regulations. Employees must avoid accessing unauthorized data, sharing passwords, and should log off when unattended; violations can lead to serious repercussions, including civil and criminal penalties. Suspicions of wrongdoing should be reported to management or through an anonymous hotline.

1. Training

2.  Consumers entrust their most private information
to health care organizations.
 Health professionals have legal obligations to
protect patient privacy.
 Patient health information is protected by federal
HIPPA regulations.

3.  Never access or read data that is not part of your
job description or duties.
 Never share your password.
 Never leave your work station before logging off.

4.  Report your suspicions to the manager
immediately.
 If you suspect management is in violation you may
move up the chain of command toward the CEO
or Board of Trustees.
 You may leave a tip on the hotline:
1-888-PRIVACY, you may remain anonymous.

5.  You can cause harm to a patient.
 You can lose your job and/or licensure.
 If you violate HIPAA, you become exposed to civil
and criminal prosecution, which can result in large
fines and possible imprisonment.