Cvhn Annual HIPAA Training Quiz - 2012

Accessing patient information electronically can be traced back to the user's User ID and computer. This means that the system can track and record which systems the user has accessed, such as Solution or Athena, and also which specific patient records they have viewed. This tracking is important for maintaining accountability and ensuring that patient information is accessed only by authorized individuals. Therefore, the statement is true.

A patient's Medical Record Number (MRN) is considered to be an individually identifiable identifier because it is a unique number assigned to each patient that allows healthcare providers to easily identify and access their medical records. This number contains personal information about the patient, such as their name, date of birth, and other identifying details, making it possible to link the MRN back to the individual patient. This ensures that the patient's medical information remains confidential and secure, while also facilitating efficient and accurate record-keeping and healthcare delivery.

The best way to help verify the identity of a patient receiving our services is to ask for their date of birth or SSN. This information is unique to each individual and can be used to confirm their identity accurately. Height and weight, as well as eye and hair color, can vary and may not be reliable indicators of identity.

The best way to handle a suspected Breach of PHI is to immediately notify your Supervisor or the HIPAA Privacy or Security Officer. This is important because they are the designated individuals responsible for handling such incidents and taking appropriate actions to mitigate the breach. Keeping the breach confidential or storing the data in a locked drawer does not address the issue or ensure proper handling of the breach. It is crucial to involve the relevant authorities to ensure that the breach is properly investigated and necessary steps are taken to protect the privacy and security of PHI.

A patient has the right to request a list of how their Protected Health Information (PHI) has been disclosed. This is in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule, which grants patients the right to access and obtain a copy of their medical records, including information about how their PHI has been shared with others. This allows patients to have transparency and control over their personal health information.

Unauthorized access refers to accessing or disclosing PHI (Protected Health Information) without the proper job responsibility or authorization. This includes situations like looking up someone's PHI out of personal concern or curiosity. Such actions are strictly prohibited according to the HIPAA Privacy Rule and the company policy. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above" as all the given options describe unauthorized access.

Locking your computer screen and securing any PHI (Protected Health Information) on your desk is the correct answer because it ensures the security and privacy of sensitive information. By locking the computer screen, you prevent unauthorized access to your computer and any confidential data stored on it. Securing any PHI on your desk further protects it from being accessed or viewed by unauthorized individuals. This practice is essential to maintain data confidentiality and comply with privacy regulations. Minimizing applications and informing a co-worker are not directly related to the security of sensitive information.

This statement is true because as the owner of the computers, the company has the right to access and review any information stored on them. This allows the company to ensure compliance with company policies, protect sensitive information, and monitor employee activities to prevent any misuse or unauthorized actions. By having this permission, the company can maintain control over its assets and ensure the smooth functioning of its operations.

Monetary fines for HIPAA violations can indeed range up to $1.5 Million. This is in accordance with the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, which increased the penalties for non-compliance with HIPAA regulations. These fines are imposed to ensure that healthcare organizations take the necessary measures to protect the privacy and security of patients' health information.

All of the above statements are true. The Covered Entity can be subject to civil and criminal penalties for failing to properly protect patient information. The Business Associate, which is our company, can also be subject to civil and criminal penalties for the actions of its employee. Additionally, the employee who sold the information can be subject to criminal penalties for engaging in identity theft.

Sharing your login and password information with a co-worker or leaving it written down in an obvious location is not a safe practice. It increases the risk of unauthorized access to your account and compromises the security of your personal information. It is important to keep your login and password confidential and use strong, unique passwords to protect your accounts from potential threats.

PHI (Protected Health Information) can be accessed through various ways, including conversations with individuals such as patients, employees, family members, supervisors, or healthcare providers. It can also be obtained through medical documents like medical bills, treatment plans, lab reports, or financial statements. Additionally, PHI can be accessed electronically through emails, computer programs, data feeds, and instant messaging. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above" as all the mentioned ways provide access to PHI.

The best way to deal with the hard copy PHI before leaving work for the day, when the locked shred bins are not available, is to lock the papers in your secure file drawer or cabinet. This ensures that the PHI remains secure and protected until it can be properly disposed of in the locked shred bin the following day. Tearing the paper up and placing it in the regular trash bin or leaving the papers face down on your desk would not provide the same level of security and protection for the PHI.

The given correct answer states that all of the statements regarding passwords are correct. This means that choosing a strong password is indeed essential in securing information, generally good passwords should be at least six characters long and contain a combination of numbers and lower and upper case letters, and poor passwords include the use of simple or easily guessed words or phrases.

Protected health information (PHI) refers to any individually identifiable health information that is created, received, maintained, or transmitted by a healthcare provider, health plan, employer, or healthcare clearinghouse. This information includes demographic data, medical histories, test results, and any other information that relates to an individual's physical or mental health. PHI is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to ensure the privacy and security of individuals' health information.

Posting a comment on Facebook that includes a patient's name after having a bad day at the office and dealing with an angry patient would be considered a breach. This is because sharing a patient's personal information, such as their name, without their consent violates their privacy rights and breaches confidentiality.

Downloading software or visiting unauthorized websites without prior IT approval can lead to the introduction of computer viruses or spyware. These malicious programs can then compromise the security of the company's computer network, making it vulnerable to hackers. A data breach can occur as a result, potentially exposing sensitive information and causing significant damage to the company. Therefore, it is crucial to follow proper protocols and obtain approval before accessing or installing any software or visiting unauthorized websites to ensure the protection of the company's network and data.

In 2012, the most frequent HIPAA violation within the organization was sending PHI (Protected Health Information) through unsecured email. This violation involves sharing sensitive patient information through an unencrypted email system, which puts the privacy and security of the data at risk. It is crucial to ensure that proper safeguards are in place, such as using secure email platforms or encrypting the information, to prevent unauthorized access and maintain compliance with HIPAA regulations.

The correct answer is "All of the above" because all of the mentioned scenarios are examples of common forms of HIPAA violations. Unsecured or unprotected PHI that is accessed by unauthorized persons, improperly disposed of hard copy PHI, employees browsing medical records of family or friends, terminated employees accessing computer records, and careless employees discussing PHI in public areas all violate HIPAA regulations. These actions can lead to unauthorized access and disclosure of protected health information, compromising patient privacy and security.

The correct answer explains that the Privacy Rule guarantees privacy rights to individuals under a Federal law, specifically protecting their health information. This means that healthcare providers and other entities are not allowed to access or share a patient's medical chart or health information without proper authorization. This ensures that patient records are kept private and confidential, promoting trust and security in the healthcare system.

This answer is correct because it accurately describes a HIPAA breach as an impermissible use or disclosure of protected health information (PHI) that compromises its security or privacy and poses a significant risk of harm to the affected individual. This definition encompasses various scenarios, including forgetting to encrypt an email containing PHI and talking too loudly with a patient on the phone, which can both lead to unauthorized access or disclosure of PHI and potentially harm the individual's privacy and security.

Yes, we are able to send a copy of the care plan to the patient's specialist without obtaining written authorization.

To securely encrypt an email containing PHI, the correct way is to type "[secure]" into the subject line. This allows the recipient to identify that the email contains sensitive information and needs to be handled with extra security measures. Sending a Mantis ticket to IT may not be necessary or effective in encrypting the email, as it is a separate system for reporting and tracking issues. The subject line encryption method is a simple and direct way to ensure the security of the email.

The correct answer is "Ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of ePHI." This requirement is one of the three general Security Rule's requirements for compliance. It emphasizes the need to protect electronic protected health information (ePHI) by ensuring its confidentiality (keeping it private), integrity (preventing unauthorized modifications), and availability (making it accessible when needed). This requirement is essential for maintaining the security and privacy of sensitive health information and complying with HIPAA regulations.

The HIPAA Security Rule does not specifically deal with protected health information in paper form. Instead, it focuses on the security and privacy of electronic protected health information (ePHI). The Security Rule sets standards for the protection of ePHI, including requirements for administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of this information. Therefore, the statement that the HIPAA Security Rule deals with protected health information in paper form is false.

This situation would be considered an inadvertent disclosure because it is an unintentional sharing of confidential information. The person talking on the phone did not mean for their co-worker to overhear the conversation, but it still resulted in the disclosure of private information. This could potentially violate HIPAA regulations if the information shared was protected health information. However, it is not necessarily considered rude behavior unless it was done intentionally or with disregard for privacy.

The Privacy Rule does not include protecting health information found in employment and education records. It only applies to health information that is held or maintained by covered entities, such as healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses. Employment and education records are typically covered by other privacy laws, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) does not apply to them. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

According to the Security Rule, electronic formats include email, flash drive, CD, smart phone, and fax. These formats involve the use of electronic devices or transmission methods to store, transfer, or receive information. A paper copy of test results, on the other hand, is not considered an electronic format as it is a physical copy and does not involve electronic devices or transmission methods.

If an organization is found in violation of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules, they can face several consequences. The Office for Civil Rights has the authority to impose civil monetary penalties and criminal penalties on the organization. In addition, the organization may be required to notify the involved patient(s), client(s), and the media about the violation. Furthermore, the organization's name may be publicly posted on the Department of Health and Human Services' website "Wall of Shame."

The minimum necessary rule does not apply in this case. The Privacy Rule allows for the use and disclosure of PHI without the minimum necessary requirement for treatment purposes. Since Dr. Smith is referring the patient to Dr. Jones for a consultation regarding the patient's care, there is no need to limit the use or disclosure of PHI to the minimum necessary. Therefore, the statement is false.