(Optional) Describe techniques for confidential communication of health/medical information within legal/regulatory guidelines.

Description should include

• ways in which the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) relates to the healthcare system
• how HIPAA compliance is implemented, reviewed, and regulated
• examples of reportable public health information (e.g., sexually transmitted diseases, flu cases, births, deaths)
• list of basic legal and ethical issues related to the healthcare profession
• list of techniques commonly used (e.g., consent forms, Patient Bill of Rights)
• examples of how to protect vulnerable populations.

Process/Skill Questions:

• Why is confidentiality so important in the field of health care? How can you uphold patient confidentiality?
• How would you describe the Patient Bill of Rights?
• What might be the consequences of violating HIPAA regulations?
• Why is it important that certain health information, even though it may be private, be communicated to public health organizations?
• What action would you take if you worked in a medical office and a patient’s medical records were subpoenaed in a court case?
• What action should be taken if an infant or elderly person was being abused by a caretaker?