PRIVACY ISSUES: PART 2 MEDICAL PRIVACY and HIPAA 10 CONTACT HOURS TAKE THIS COURSE NOW !

OBJECTIVES

1. Explain:

• what kinds of information fall into the category of medical information
• the difference between access and privacy
• the common exceptions to medical privacy

2. Describe the HIPAA privacy regulations including:

• Where the HIPAA regulations came from
• A description of medical records
• The “Disclosure” Rule
• Who/what are “Covered Entities”
• The minimum standard of privacy for medical records
• Situations where HIPAA does not cover medical records

OUTLINE

ARTICLE #1: Medical Privacy – Overview

ARTICLE #2: Chilling News About Medical Privacy

You assume your most personal medical information is private, right? IT'S NOT!

ARTICLE #3: Medical Privacy: Frequently Asked Questions

Confidentiality is likely to be lost in return for

• insurance coverage,
• an employment opportunity,
• your application for a government benefit, or
• an investigation of health and safety at your work site.

In short, you may have a false sense of security.

ARTICLE #4: How Private Is My Medical Information?

ARTICLE #5: Medical Privacy Stories

• Individuals Exposed
• Unauthorized Access
• Poor Security
• Poor Disposal
• Medical Information Used for Marketing
• Government Use of Records
• Researchers
• Law Enforcement
• Lawsuits

ARTICLE #6: HIPAA – The Intent vs. The Reality

Congress intended for the HIPAA Privacy Rule to bring the healthcare industry into the 21st century while saving citizens billions of dollars.

In reality . . .
HIPAA produced absurd results because patients were no longer asked what medical information they wanted shared and what information they wanted to be kept private.

Barriers were created that patients didn't want, and access was granted to private corporations, individuals and government agencies that patients would never have agreed to.

ARTICLE #7: Rights to Access Medical Records Under the HIPAA Privacy Regulation

ARTICLE #8: Health Privacy in the Hands of the Government: The HIPAA Privacy Regulation Troubled Process, Troubling Results

Nothing is simple when it comes to privacy. And nothing is straightforward when it comes to the HIPAA privacy regulation.

Privacy is important — health privacy even more so — and health itself is an essential good. Privacy should not conflict with cost-effective care. But government estimates put the cost of the HIPAA privacy rule at 17 billion dollars, and private estimates go much higher.

HIPAA compliance has become a profit center for

• lawyers,
• lobbyists,
• technology vendors,
• consultants, and
• many others.

The flurry of economic activity is nice, but dollars spent on HIPAA compliance will not go to treating sick children or keeping prescription costs down for seniors. The American public should demand demonstrable improvements in their privacy for this cost.

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