Identify the concept and importance of the Patient Care Partnership, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Identification should include the concept and importance of

• the Patient Care Partnership—incorporates and replaces the American Hospital Association's Patient Bill of Rights and includes the patient's right to
• high-quality hospital care
• a clean and safe environment
• involvement in their own care
• privacy
• help when leaving the hospital
• help with billing claims 
• the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)—ensures confidentiality and safety for patients through standards for
• privacy of patient information
• patient healthcare information security
• administrative simplification
• the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—protects the civil rights of individuals with disabilities, focusing primarily on
• protection of those with impairments that “substantially limit major life activities” as defined by the ADA
• guarantee of equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications.

Process/Skill Questions:

• What is an advance directive? How does it influence patient rehabilitative care?
• What is the process of getting informed consent from a client? Why is informed consent required prior to medical intervention?
• Who benefits from the ADA? Why is it important for physical and occupational therapists to be knowledgeable about the ADA?
• What happens if patient confidentiality is breached?