Record snooping is an intrusive act that has been done by healthcare workers for a long time. However, with the HIPAA Privacy rules, there are now serious repercussions for the healthcare worker and the office they work for. The results of record snooping include the employee losing their job, public humiliation for the office involved, heavy monetary fines, and potential legal action. This intrusive act is a big problem for the employee involved and their employer.
3 main points of reference in the webinar:
1. 5 Examples of Record Snooping (RS)
2. 3 levels of RS that lead to breach
3. Ways to prevent RS
These slides went with my teaching about Humility and Pride from Romans 12:16. The audio and transcript of this sermon can be found at takejesushome.com
Medical Technology Tackles New Health Care Demand - Research Report - March 2...pchutichetpong
M Capital Group (“MCG”) predicts that with, against, despite, and even without the global pandemic, the medical technology (MedTech) industry shows signs of continuous healthy growth, driven by smaller, faster, and cheaper devices, growing demand for home-based applications, technological innovation, strategic acquisitions, investments, and SPAC listings. MCG predicts that this should reflects itself in annual growth of over 6%, well beyond 2028.
According to Chris Mouchabhani, Managing Partner at M Capital Group, “Despite all economic scenarios that one may consider, beyond overall economic shocks, medical technology should remain one of the most promising and robust sectors over the short to medium term and well beyond 2028.”
There is a movement towards home-based care for the elderly, next generation scanning and MRI devices, wearable technology, artificial intelligence incorporation, and online connectivity. Experts also see a focus on predictive, preventive, personalized, participatory, and precision medicine, with rising levels of integration of home care and technological innovation.
The average cost of treatment has been rising across the board, creating additional financial burdens to governments, healthcare providers and insurance companies. According to MCG, cost-per-inpatient-stay in the United States alone rose on average annually by over 13% between 2014 to 2021, leading MedTech to focus research efforts on optimized medical equipment at lower price points, whilst emphasizing portability and ease of use. Namely, 46% of the 1,008 medical technology companies in the 2021 MedTech Innovator (“MTI”) database are focusing on prevention, wellness, detection, or diagnosis, signaling a clear push for preventive care to also tackle costs.
In addition, there has also been a lasting impact on consumer and medical demand for home care, supported by the pandemic. Lockdowns, closure of care facilities, and healthcare systems subjected to capacity pressure, accelerated demand away from traditional inpatient care. Now, outpatient care solutions are driving industry production, with nearly 70% of recent diagnostics start-up companies producing products in areas such as ambulatory clinics, at-home care, and self-administered diagnostics.
The dimensions of healthcare quality refer to various attributes or aspects that define the standard of healthcare services. These dimensions are used to evaluate, measure, and improve the quality of care provided to patients. A comprehensive understanding of these dimensions ensures that healthcare systems can address various aspects of patient care effectively and holistically. Dimensions of Healthcare Quality and Performance of care include the following; Appropriateness, Availability, Competence, Continuity, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Efficacy, Prevention, Respect and Care, Safety as well as Timeliness.
CRISPR-Cas9, a revolutionary gene-editing tool, holds immense potential to reshape medicine, agriculture, and our understanding of life. But like any powerful tool, it comes with ethical considerations.
Unveiling CRISPR: This naturally occurring bacterial defense system (crRNA & Cas9 protein) fights viruses. Scientists repurposed it for precise gene editing (correction, deletion, insertion) by targeting specific DNA sequences.
The Promise: CRISPR offers exciting possibilities:
Gene Therapy: Correcting genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis.
Agriculture: Engineering crops resistant to pests and harsh environments.
Research: Studying gene function to unlock new knowledge.
The Peril: Ethical concerns demand attention:
Off-target Effects: Unintended DNA edits can have unforeseen consequences.
Eugenics: Misusing CRISPR for designer babies raises social and ethical questions.
Equity: High costs could limit access to this potentially life-saving technology.
The Path Forward: Responsible development is crucial:
International Collaboration: Clear guidelines are needed for research and human trials.
Public Education: Open discussions ensure informed decisions about CRISPR.
Prioritize Safety and Ethics: Safety and ethical principles must be paramount.
CRISPR offers a powerful tool for a better future, but responsible development and addressing ethical concerns are essential. By prioritizing safety, fostering open dialogue, and ensuring equitable access, we can harness CRISPR's power for the benefit of all. (2998 characters)
CHAPTER 1 SEMESTER V - ROLE OF PEADIATRIC NURSE.pdfSachin Sharma
Pediatric nurses play a vital role in the health and well-being of children. Their responsibilities are wide-ranging, and their objectives can be categorized into several key areas:
1. Direct Patient Care:
Objective: Provide comprehensive and compassionate care to infants, children, and adolescents in various healthcare settings (hospitals, clinics, etc.).
This includes tasks like:
Monitoring vital signs and physical condition.
Administering medications and treatments.
Performing procedures as directed by doctors.
Assisting with daily living activities (bathing, feeding).
Providing emotional support and pain management.
2. Health Promotion and Education:
Objective: Promote healthy behaviors and educate children, families, and communities about preventive healthcare.
This includes tasks like:
Administering vaccinations.
Providing education on nutrition, hygiene, and development.
Offering breastfeeding and childbirth support.
Counseling families on safety and injury prevention.
3. Collaboration and Advocacy:
Objective: Collaborate effectively with doctors, social workers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated care for children.
Objective: Advocate for the rights and best interests of their patients, especially when children cannot speak for themselves.
This includes tasks like:
Communicating effectively with healthcare teams.
Identifying and addressing potential risks to child welfare.
Educating families about their child's condition and treatment options.
4. Professional Development and Research:
Objective: Stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in pediatric healthcare through continuing education and research.
Objective: Contribute to improving the quality of care for children by participating in research initiatives.
This includes tasks like:
Attending workshops and conferences on pediatric nursing.
Participating in clinical trials related to child health.
Implementing evidence-based practices into their daily routines.
By fulfilling these objectives, pediatric nurses play a crucial role in ensuring the optimal health and well-being of children throughout all stages of their development.
Explore our infographic on 'Essential Metrics for Palliative Care Management' which highlights key performance indicators crucial for enhancing the quality and efficiency of palliative care services.
This visual guide breaks down important metrics across four categories: Patient-Centered Metrics, Care Efficiency Metrics, Quality of Life Metrics, and Staff Metrics. Each section is designed to help healthcare professionals monitor and improve care delivery for patients facing serious illnesses. Understand how to implement these metrics in your palliative care practices for better outcomes and higher satisfaction levels.
India Clinical Trials Market: Industry Size and Growth Trends [2030] Analyzed...Kumar Satyam
According to TechSci Research report, "India Clinical Trials Market- By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2030F," the India Clinical Trials Market was valued at USD 2.05 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.64% through 2030. The market is driven by a variety of factors, making India an attractive destination for pharmaceutical companies and researchers. India's vast and diverse patient population, cost-effective operational environment, and a large pool of skilled medical professionals contribute significantly to the market's growth. Additionally, increasing government support in streamlining regulations and the growing prevalence of lifestyle diseases further propel the clinical trials market.
Growing Prevalence of Lifestyle Diseases
The rising incidence of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer is a major trend driving the clinical trials market in India. These conditions necessitate the development and testing of new treatment methods, creating a robust demand for clinical trials. The increasing burden of these diseases highlights the need for innovative therapies and underscores the importance of India as a key player in global clinical research.
The Importance of Community Nursing Care.pdfAD Healthcare
NDIS and Community 24/7 Nursing Care is a specific type of support that may be provided under the NDIS for individuals with complex medical needs who require ongoing nursing care in a community setting, such as their home or a supported accommodation facility.
These slides went with my teaching about Humility and Pride from Romans 12:16. The audio and transcript of this sermon can be found at takejesushome.com
Medical Technology Tackles New Health Care Demand - Research Report - March 2...pchutichetpong
M Capital Group (“MCG”) predicts that with, against, despite, and even without the global pandemic, the medical technology (MedTech) industry shows signs of continuous healthy growth, driven by smaller, faster, and cheaper devices, growing demand for home-based applications, technological innovation, strategic acquisitions, investments, and SPAC listings. MCG predicts that this should reflects itself in annual growth of over 6%, well beyond 2028.
According to Chris Mouchabhani, Managing Partner at M Capital Group, “Despite all economic scenarios that one may consider, beyond overall economic shocks, medical technology should remain one of the most promising and robust sectors over the short to medium term and well beyond 2028.”
There is a movement towards home-based care for the elderly, next generation scanning and MRI devices, wearable technology, artificial intelligence incorporation, and online connectivity. Experts also see a focus on predictive, preventive, personalized, participatory, and precision medicine, with rising levels of integration of home care and technological innovation.
The average cost of treatment has been rising across the board, creating additional financial burdens to governments, healthcare providers and insurance companies. According to MCG, cost-per-inpatient-stay in the United States alone rose on average annually by over 13% between 2014 to 2021, leading MedTech to focus research efforts on optimized medical equipment at lower price points, whilst emphasizing portability and ease of use. Namely, 46% of the 1,008 medical technology companies in the 2021 MedTech Innovator (“MTI”) database are focusing on prevention, wellness, detection, or diagnosis, signaling a clear push for preventive care to also tackle costs.
In addition, there has also been a lasting impact on consumer and medical demand for home care, supported by the pandemic. Lockdowns, closure of care facilities, and healthcare systems subjected to capacity pressure, accelerated demand away from traditional inpatient care. Now, outpatient care solutions are driving industry production, with nearly 70% of recent diagnostics start-up companies producing products in areas such as ambulatory clinics, at-home care, and self-administered diagnostics.
The dimensions of healthcare quality refer to various attributes or aspects that define the standard of healthcare services. These dimensions are used to evaluate, measure, and improve the quality of care provided to patients. A comprehensive understanding of these dimensions ensures that healthcare systems can address various aspects of patient care effectively and holistically. Dimensions of Healthcare Quality and Performance of care include the following; Appropriateness, Availability, Competence, Continuity, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Efficacy, Prevention, Respect and Care, Safety as well as Timeliness.
CRISPR-Cas9, a revolutionary gene-editing tool, holds immense potential to reshape medicine, agriculture, and our understanding of life. But like any powerful tool, it comes with ethical considerations.
Unveiling CRISPR: This naturally occurring bacterial defense system (crRNA & Cas9 protein) fights viruses. Scientists repurposed it for precise gene editing (correction, deletion, insertion) by targeting specific DNA sequences.
The Promise: CRISPR offers exciting possibilities:
Gene Therapy: Correcting genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis.
Agriculture: Engineering crops resistant to pests and harsh environments.
Research: Studying gene function to unlock new knowledge.
The Peril: Ethical concerns demand attention:
Off-target Effects: Unintended DNA edits can have unforeseen consequences.
Eugenics: Misusing CRISPR for designer babies raises social and ethical questions.
Equity: High costs could limit access to this potentially life-saving technology.
The Path Forward: Responsible development is crucial:
International Collaboration: Clear guidelines are needed for research and human trials.
Public Education: Open discussions ensure informed decisions about CRISPR.
Prioritize Safety and Ethics: Safety and ethical principles must be paramount.
CRISPR offers a powerful tool for a better future, but responsible development and addressing ethical concerns are essential. By prioritizing safety, fostering open dialogue, and ensuring equitable access, we can harness CRISPR's power for the benefit of all. (2998 characters)
CHAPTER 1 SEMESTER V - ROLE OF PEADIATRIC NURSE.pdfSachin Sharma
Pediatric nurses play a vital role in the health and well-being of children. Their responsibilities are wide-ranging, and their objectives can be categorized into several key areas:
1. Direct Patient Care:
Objective: Provide comprehensive and compassionate care to infants, children, and adolescents in various healthcare settings (hospitals, clinics, etc.).
This includes tasks like:
Monitoring vital signs and physical condition.
Administering medications and treatments.
Performing procedures as directed by doctors.
Assisting with daily living activities (bathing, feeding).
Providing emotional support and pain management.
2. Health Promotion and Education:
Objective: Promote healthy behaviors and educate children, families, and communities about preventive healthcare.
This includes tasks like:
Administering vaccinations.
Providing education on nutrition, hygiene, and development.
Offering breastfeeding and childbirth support.
Counseling families on safety and injury prevention.
3. Collaboration and Advocacy:
Objective: Collaborate effectively with doctors, social workers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated care for children.
Objective: Advocate for the rights and best interests of their patients, especially when children cannot speak for themselves.
This includes tasks like:
Communicating effectively with healthcare teams.
Identifying and addressing potential risks to child welfare.
Educating families about their child's condition and treatment options.
4. Professional Development and Research:
Objective: Stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in pediatric healthcare through continuing education and research.
Objective: Contribute to improving the quality of care for children by participating in research initiatives.
This includes tasks like:
Attending workshops and conferences on pediatric nursing.
Participating in clinical trials related to child health.
Implementing evidence-based practices into their daily routines.
By fulfilling these objectives, pediatric nurses play a crucial role in ensuring the optimal health and well-being of children throughout all stages of their development.
Explore our infographic on 'Essential Metrics for Palliative Care Management' which highlights key performance indicators crucial for enhancing the quality and efficiency of palliative care services.
This visual guide breaks down important metrics across four categories: Patient-Centered Metrics, Care Efficiency Metrics, Quality of Life Metrics, and Staff Metrics. Each section is designed to help healthcare professionals monitor and improve care delivery for patients facing serious illnesses. Understand how to implement these metrics in your palliative care practices for better outcomes and higher satisfaction levels.
India Clinical Trials Market: Industry Size and Growth Trends [2030] Analyzed...Kumar Satyam
According to TechSci Research report, "India Clinical Trials Market- By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2030F," the India Clinical Trials Market was valued at USD 2.05 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.64% through 2030. The market is driven by a variety of factors, making India an attractive destination for pharmaceutical companies and researchers. India's vast and diverse patient population, cost-effective operational environment, and a large pool of skilled medical professionals contribute significantly to the market's growth. Additionally, increasing government support in streamlining regulations and the growing prevalence of lifestyle diseases further propel the clinical trials market.
Growing Prevalence of Lifestyle Diseases
The rising incidence of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer is a major trend driving the clinical trials market in India. These conditions necessitate the development and testing of new treatment methods, creating a robust demand for clinical trials. The increasing burden of these diseases highlights the need for innovative therapies and underscores the importance of India as a key player in global clinical research.
The Importance of Community Nursing Care.pdfAD Healthcare
NDIS and Community 24/7 Nursing Care is a specific type of support that may be provided under the NDIS for individuals with complex medical needs who require ongoing nursing care in a community setting, such as their home or a supported accommodation facility.
CHAPTER 1 SEMESTER V PREVENTIVE-PEDIATRICS.pdfSachin Sharma
This content provides an overview of preventive pediatrics. It defines preventive pediatrics as preventing disease and promoting children's physical, mental, and social well-being to achieve positive health. It discusses antenatal, postnatal, and social preventive pediatrics. It also covers various child health programs like immunization, breastfeeding, ICDS, and the roles of organizations like WHO, UNICEF, and nurses in preventive pediatrics.
Deep Leg Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Mor...The Lifesciences Magazine
Deep Leg Vein Thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more of the deep veins in the legs. These clots can impede blood flow, leading to severe complications.
4. What
to
expect
Examples of Record Snooping
UCLA Hospitals
Carilion Clinic
Allina Hospitals and Clinics
University of Iowa Health Centers
Everett Clinic
Levels of Sanctions for Record Snooping
Level 1 - Accidental
Level 2 - Intentional
Level 3 - Harmful
Ways to Prevent Record Snooping
Conclusions on Record Snooping
Record snooping is an intrusive act that has been done by healthcare workers for a long time. However, with the HIPAA Privacy rules, there are now serious repercussions for the healthcare worker and the office they work for. The results of record snooping include the employee losing their job, public humiliation for the office involved, heavy monetary fines, and potential legal action. This intrusive act is a big problem for the employee involved and their employer.
Record snooping is unauthorized access to a patients information. This type of privacy invasion happens when an employee accesses a patient’s health information without cause, but rather for their own personal or somebody else’s desire to have knowledge of that patients personal health information (PHI).
We are all human, and as such, are naturally curious. Protecting the privacy of patient records is top priority as a health care provider, and that means both internally and externally.
Violates patients privacy
Is a HIPAA violation
Causes public embarrassment for your practice
Lowers public perceived confidence in your practice
Can lead to large fines for your practice
UCLA Health System has agreed to pay $865,500 as part of a settlement with federal regulators announced. Two celebrity patients alleged that hospital employees broke the law and reviewed their medical records without authorization.
Carilion Clinic, in Roanoke Virginia, had to fire or discipline 14 employees for patient record snooping, which is common in many organizations. Fourteen employees were found to have accessed patient records without a legitimate patient-care need.
Allina Hospitals and Clinics, a Minnesota health delivery system, the organization fired 32 employees for inappropriately looking at the electronic health records of patients involved in a mass drug overdose case.
A student healthcare worker, Kathryn, was fired from the University of Iowa Health Center for violating the privacy of a pregnant female student, and her well-known student athlete boyfriend. For over 14 years, Kathryn had received HIPAA privacy training, but that didn’t stop her from revealing out loud to at least one nearby coworker that she hoped the young couple was happy with the positive results of the pregnancy test.
Kathryn even went so far as to point out the student athlete to the clerk after she noticed him in the waiting room. She also inappropriately accessed the patient’s chart at least twice opening the records from past visits and medication records. The clerk then went and spoke with two medical assistants who treated the female student and asked about the couple’s reaction to the news of positive pregnancy test. The medical assistants then reported the inquiry to a manager as a possible privacy violation.
Everett Clinic, in Everett Washington, uses Fair Warning software which red-flags unauthorized access to ePHI. Not long after they started using Fair Warning, 13 staff members and physicians were fired due to various incidents involving inappropriate access. Becky Hood, CIO of Everett Clinic says, “Our policy leans toward no-tolerance [of record snooping], but we’ll investigate each situation to determine if the incident was malicious, accidental or if a staff member didn’t understand [the rules],”.
Consequences for record snooping can vary widely for different organizations. Some have a zero-tolerance policy. Some organizations institute a progressive system with the level of sanctions with the level of sanctions increasing for multiple violations or for particularly egregious violations.
Sanction policy examples:
Level 1 – Accidental Breach
Possible scenarios:
Employee does not log off computer after use.
Employee faxed the wrong PHI to another practice.
Employee emails PHI to the wrong email address.
Sanction: Warning and retraining
Verbal warning documented in the employee’s file and mandatory retraining for the first offense. Continued offenses lead to progressive discipline up to and including termination.
Level 2 – Intentional Breach without Harmful or Dishonest Intentions
Possible scenarios:
Viewing patient records out of curiosity.
Sharing PHI (any information that identifies the patient, including diagnosis or treatment, financial information, or photos) in personal communications or on social networks, because the information is interesting, not for treatment purposes.
Employee shares computer password.
Discussing patient information in an unsecured area.
Sanction: Written Warning & Re-Education, Possible Suspension
Written warning documented in the employee’s file and mandatory re-education for the first offense. Continued offenses lead to progressive discipline up to and including suspension or termination.
Level 3 - Willful or Intentional Breach with Harmful or Dishonest Intentions
Possible scenarios:Using PHI for personal gain (marketing without authorization).
Using PHI to cause harm (exposing information to unauthorized individuals or social networks because of dislike for the owner of the PHI).
Gives access to a restricted area to an unauthorized individual.
Gives access to PHI to an unauthorized individual.
Sanction: Termination
Termination and possible legal action.
Yes, we are all curious, but is record snooping worth the price of losing your job or possible legal action? Respecting privacy protects us all.
Conduct a security risk analysis, preferably guided by experienced compliance professionals. This step alone shows your practice’s due diligence in protecting confidential patient data, and is required by HIPAA.
learly communicate your no-snooping policy to all employees. Every new hire should get both a written and verbal orientation to your practice’s zero-tolerance policy on snooping. This policy should also extend to all your business associates, including accountants, lawyers and IT professionals. Due to changes in HIPAA rules, your practice can now be fined if a business associate does the snooping.
Give employees only the “minimum necessary” access to protected health information (PHI). Your receptionist doesn’t need access to clinical data, which eliminates the temptation to peek into Brad Pitt’s files – or those of an ex-spouse or neighbor.
Password-protect medical files depending on “need to know.” Employees should be frequently reminded that your practice prohibits the sharing of passwords and user IDs.
Document a formal process for initiating and terminating access. Your office manager should establish and document controls for granting and terminating employee access to patient records — and access needs to be immediately shut down when an employee leaves the practice.
Communicate and enforce disciplinary actions for snooping. Employees should know upfront what the consequences will be, such as suspension or termination of employment in cases of malicious intent.
Conduct background checks. Follow ERISA rules, but conduct background and reference checks before new employees start the job. Many snooping violations go unreported, but running these checks will represent reasonable due diligence and may prevent costly fines and a tarnished reputation.
Allow patients to restrict the sharing of PHI. You’re required to honor a patient’s special request for privacy (e.g., an ex-spouse of one of your nurses requesting that he/she not have access to PHI).
Record snooping can cause serious harm to your practice. Although there is no way to completely eliminate record snooping, there are steps you can take that will help protect your practice if a violation occurs.