HIPAA Privacy Rule And Its Impacts On Research Quiz!

1. Copies of patient information may be disposed of in any garbage can in the facility.

True

False

The statement is false. Copies of patient information should not be disposed of in any garbage can in the facility. Patient information contains sensitive and confidential data, and proper disposal methods should be followed to protect patient privacy and comply with data protection regulations. Disposing of patient information in regular garbage cans increases the risk of unauthorized access or identity theft. Instead, patient information should be securely shredded or disposed of in designated confidential waste bins to ensure proper safeguarding of sensitive data.

Explanation

The statement is false. Copies of patient information should not be disposed of in any garbage can in the facility. Patient information contains sensitive and confidential data, and proper disposal methods should be followed to protect patient privacy and comply with data protection regulations. Disposing of patient information in regular garbage cans increases the risk of unauthorized access or identity theft. Instead, patient information should be securely shredded or disposed of in designated confidential waste bins to ensure proper safeguarding of sensitive data.

2. Confidentiality protections cover not just a patient’s health-related information, such as his or her diagnosis, but also other identifying information, such as social security numbers and telephone numbers.

True

False

Confidentiality protections extend beyond a patient's health-related information, such as their diagnosis, to also include other identifying details like social security numbers and telephone numbers. This means that healthcare providers and organizations are obligated to safeguard not only medical data but also personal information that could potentially be used to identify an individual.

Explanation

Confidentiality protections extend beyond a patient's health-related information, such as their diagnosis, to also include other identifying details like social security numbers and telephone numbers. This means that healthcare providers and organizations are obligated to safeguard not only medical data but also personal information that could potentially be used to identify an individual.

3. If you suspect someone is violating the facility's privacy policy, you should:

Say nothing. It is none of your business.

Watch the individual involved until you have gathered solid evidence against him or her.

Report your suspicions to your clinical instructor for further follow-up.

If you suspect someone is violating the facility's privacy policy, it is important to report your suspicions to your clinical instructor for further follow-up. This is the appropriate action to take because privacy policies are in place to protect the rights and confidentiality of individuals. By reporting your suspicions, you are ensuring that the necessary steps can be taken to investigate the situation and address any potential violations. It is not advisable to say nothing or to take matters into your own hands by watching the individual involved, as this may not lead to a proper resolution and could potentially create further issues.

Explanation

If you suspect someone is violating the facility's privacy policy, it is important to report your suspicions to your clinical instructor for further follow-up. This is the appropriate action to take because privacy policies are in place to protect the rights and confidentiality of individuals. By reporting your suspicions, you are ensuring that the necessary steps can be taken to investigate the situation and address any potential violations. It is not advisable to say nothing or to take matters into your own hands by watching the individual involved, as this may not lead to a proper resolution and could potentially create further issues.

4. Patients have a right to access their health information.

True

False

Patients have a right to access their health information because it is essential for informed decision-making and maintaining control over their own healthcare. Access to health information allows patients to understand their medical conditions, review test results, track their treatment progress, and make informed choices about their care. It also enables them to share their medical history with other healthcare providers, ensuring continuity of care. This right is protected by laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States, which ensures the privacy and security of patients' health information while granting them access to it.

Explanation

Patients have a right to access their health information because it is essential for informed decision-making and maintaining control over their own healthcare. Access to health information allows patients to understand their medical conditions, review test results, track their treatment progress, and make informed choices about their care. It also enables them to share their medical history with other healthcare providers, ensuring continuity of care. This right is protected by laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States, which ensures the privacy and security of patients' health information while granting them access to it.

5. The criminal penalties for improperly disclosing patient health information can be as high as fines of $250,000 and prison sentences of up to 10 years.

True

False

The statement is true. The explanation is that the improper disclosure of patient health information is a serious violation of privacy laws, particularly the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. To ensure the protection of patient privacy, severe penalties are imposed on individuals or organizations found guilty of such offenses. These penalties can include substantial fines of up to $250,000 and even imprisonment for a maximum of 10 years. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of patient health information.

Explanation

The statement is true. The explanation is that the improper disclosure of patient health information is a serious violation of privacy laws, particularly the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. To ensure the protection of patient privacy, severe penalties are imposed on individuals or organizations found guilty of such offenses. These penalties can include substantial fines of up to $250,000 and even imprisonment for a maximum of 10 years. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of patient health information.

6. You are approached by an individual who tells you that he is here to work on the computers and wants you to open a door for him or point the way to a workstation. How do you respond to this request?

Provide him with the information or access he needs.

Ask him who at the hospital has hired him and refer him to that person for assistance.

Call the police.

The correct answer is to ask him who at the hospital has hired him and refer him to that person for assistance. This response ensures that the individual is authorized to access the computers and workstations. By referring him to the person who hired him, it allows for proper verification and prevents unauthorized individuals from gaining access to sensitive information or equipment.

Explanation

The correct answer is to ask him who at the hospital has hired him and refer him to that person for assistance. This response ensures that the individual is authorized to access the computers and workstations. By referring him to the person who hired him, it allows for proper verification and prevents unauthorized individuals from gaining access to sensitive information or equipment.

7. Locks on medical records rooms which of the following are some common features designed to protect the confidentiality of health information contained in patient medical records?

Locks on medical records rooms.

Passwords to access computerized records.

Rules that prohibit employees from looking at records unless they have a need to know.

All of the above.

The correct answer is "all of the above." This is because locks on medical records rooms, passwords to access computerized records, and rules that prohibit employees from looking at records unless they have a need to know are all common features designed to protect the confidentiality of health information contained in patient medical records. These measures ensure that only authorized individuals can access the records and that the information remains confidential and secure.

Explanation

The correct answer is "all of the above." This is because locks on medical records rooms, passwords to access computerized records, and rules that prohibit employees from looking at records unless they have a need to know are all common features designed to protect the confidentiality of health information contained in patient medical records. These measures ensure that only authorized individuals can access the records and that the information remains confidential and secure.

8. What kind of personally identifiable health information is protected by the HIPAA privacy rules?

Paper

Electronic

The spoken word.

All of the above.

None of the above.

The HIPAA privacy rules protect all kinds of personally identifiable health information, including paper records, electronic records, and even the spoken word. This means that any information that can be used to identify an individual's health status, treatment, or payment for healthcare services is protected under HIPAA.

Explanation

The HIPAA privacy rules protect all kinds of personally identifiable health information, including paper records, electronic records, and even the spoken word. This means that any information that can be used to identify an individual's health status, treatment, or payment for healthcare services is protected under HIPAA.

9. If a person has the ability to access the facility of company systems or applications, they have a right to view any information contained in that system or application.

True

False

The statement is false because having access to company systems or applications does not automatically grant the right to view any information contained in them. Access privileges are typically assigned based on job roles and responsibilities, and individuals may only be authorized to view certain information that is necessary for their work. Access to sensitive or confidential information is usually restricted to specific individuals or departments to maintain data security and protect privacy.

Explanation

The statement is false because having access to company systems or applications does not automatically grant the right to view any information contained in them. Access privileges are typically assigned based on job roles and responsibilities, and individuals may only be authorized to view certain information that is necessary for their work. Access to sensitive or confidential information is usually restricted to specific individuals or departments to maintain data security and protect privacy.

10. HIPAA security and privacy regulations apply to:

Attending physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

Health information managers, information systems staff, and other ancillary personnel only.

Anyone working in the facility.

Only staff that have direct patient contact.

The correct answer is anyone working in the facility. HIPAA security and privacy regulations apply to all individuals who work in a healthcare facility, regardless of their specific role or job title. This includes attending physicians, nurses, healthcare professionals, health information managers, information systems staff, ancillary personnel, and anyone else employed within the facility. The regulations aim to protect the privacy and security of patients' health information and apply to all individuals who have access to this information.

Explanation

The correct answer is anyone working in the facility. HIPAA security and privacy regulations apply to all individuals who work in a healthcare facility, regardless of their specific role or job title. This includes attending physicians, nurses, healthcare professionals, health information managers, information systems staff, ancillary personnel, and anyone else employed within the facility. The regulations aim to protect the privacy and security of patients' health information and apply to all individuals who have access to this information.

11. It would be appropriate to release patient information to:

The patient’s (non-attending) physician brother.

Personnel from the hospital the patient transferred from 2 days ago, who is calling to check on the patient.

The respiratory therapy personnel doing an ordered procedure.

A retired physician who is a friend of the family.

The correct answer is the respiratory therapy personnel doing an ordered procedure. This is because releasing patient information to healthcare professionals who are directly involved in the patient's care or treatment is considered appropriate and necessary. The respiratory therapy personnel would need access to the patient's information in order to perform the ordered procedure effectively and safely.

Explanation

The correct answer is the respiratory therapy personnel doing an ordered procedure. This is because releasing patient information to healthcare professionals who are directly involved in the patient's care or treatment is considered appropriate and necessary. The respiratory therapy personnel would need access to the patient's information in order to perform the ordered procedure effectively and safely.

12. You are working elsewhere in the hospital when you hear that a neighbor has just arrived in the ER for treatment after a car crash. You should:

Contact the neighbor’s spouse to alert him or her about the accident.

Do nothing and pretend you don’t know about it.

Go to the patient directly.

In this situation, the most appropriate course of action is to inform the charge nurse in the ER that you know how to reach the patient's spouse and offer the information if it's needed. As a healthcare professional, it is important to respect patient privacy and confidentiality. By informing the charge nurse, you are ensuring that the appropriate person is aware of the situation and can make the necessary decisions regarding contacting the patient's spouse. This allows for proper communication and ensures that the patient's privacy is maintained.

Explanation

In this situation, the most appropriate course of action is to inform the charge nurse in the ER that you know how to reach the patient's spouse and offer the information if it's needed. As a healthcare professional, it is important to respect patient privacy and confidentiality. By informing the charge nurse, you are ensuring that the appropriate person is aware of the situation and can make the necessary decisions regarding contacting the patient's spouse. This allows for proper communication and ensures that the patient's privacy is maintained.

13. Which of the following is the appropriate person with whom to share patient information, even if the patient has NOT specifically authorized the release of information to the individual?

A former physician of the patient who is concerned about the patient.

A colleague who needs information about the patient to provide proper care.

A friend of the patient.

The appropriate person to share patient information with, even without specific authorization, is a colleague who needs the information to provide proper care. This is because healthcare professionals have a duty to collaborate and share relevant patient information in order to ensure the best possible care for the patient. This is in line with the principles of patient-centered care and the ethical obligations of healthcare professionals. Sharing patient information with a former physician who is concerned about the patient or a friend of the patient may not be appropriate without explicit authorization. Sharing patient information with a pharmaceutical salesman for personal gain is unethical and violates patient privacy.

Explanation

The appropriate person to share patient information with, even without specific authorization, is a colleague who needs the information to provide proper care. This is because healthcare professionals have a duty to collaborate and share relevant patient information in order to ensure the best possible care for the patient. This is in line with the principles of patient-centered care and the ethical obligations of healthcare professionals. Sharing patient information with a former physician who is concerned about the patient or a friend of the patient may not be appropriate without explicit authorization. Sharing patient information with a pharmaceutical salesman for personal gain is unethical and violates patient privacy.

14. When is the patient written authorization to release information required?

Upon admission to a hospital

When patient information is to be shared among two or more clinicians

When patient information is used for billing a private insurer

Patient written authorization to release information is required in most cases when patient information is going to be shared with anyone for reasons other than treatment, payment, or health care operations. This means that if the information is being shared for purposes such as research, marketing, or any other non-treatment related activities, the patient's written authorization is necessary. However, if the information is being shared for treatment, payment, or health care operations, such as sharing between two or more clinicians or for billing a private insurer, written authorization may not be required.

Explanation

Patient written authorization to release information is required in most cases when patient information is going to be shared with anyone for reasons other than treatment, payment, or health care operations. This means that if the information is being shared for purposes such as research, marketing, or any other non-treatment related activities, the patient's written authorization is necessary. However, if the information is being shared for treatment, payment, or health care operations, such as sharing between two or more clinicians or for billing a private insurer, written authorization may not be required.

15. What is the standard for accessing patient information?

A need to know for the performance of your job.

If a physician asks you the diagnosis of the patient

Just because you are curious

You are a relative of the patient.

The standard for accessing patient information is based on a need to know for the performance of your job. This means that healthcare professionals should only access patient information if it is necessary for them to fulfill their job responsibilities and provide appropriate care. Accessing patient information out of curiosity or because of personal reasons, such as being a relative of the patient, is not considered appropriate or ethical. Physicians may ask for patient diagnosis, but this should still be within the scope of their professional duties and responsibilities.

Explanation

The standard for accessing patient information is based on a need to know for the performance of your job. This means that healthcare professionals should only access patient information if it is necessary for them to fulfill their job responsibilities and provide appropriate care. Accessing patient information out of curiosity or because of personal reasons, such as being a relative of the patient, is not considered appropriate or ethical. Physicians may ask for patient diagnosis, but this should still be within the scope of their professional duties and responsibilities.

16. Confidential information must not be shared with another unless the recipient has:

An OK from a doctor.

The need to know.

Permission from Human Resources.

All of the above.

The correct answer is "all of the above" because confidential information should only be shared if the recipient has received an OK from a doctor, has a legitimate need to know the information, or has obtained permission from Human Resources. This ensures that sensitive information is only shared with authorized individuals who have a valid reason for accessing it, maintaining confidentiality and protecting privacy.

Explanation

The correct answer is "all of the above" because confidential information should only be shared if the recipient has received an OK from a doctor, has a legitimate need to know the information, or has obtained permission from Human Resources. This ensures that sensitive information is only shared with authorized individuals who have a valid reason for accessing it, maintaining confidentiality and protecting privacy.

17. Confidentiality and privacy are important concepts in healthcare because:

They help protect hospitals from lawsuits.

They allow patients to feel comfortable sharing information with their doctors.

They avoid the confusion of having people other than a physician distributing information about a patient.

Both a & b.

Confidentiality and privacy are important concepts in healthcare because they allow patients to feel comfortable sharing information with their doctors. When patients trust that their personal information will be kept confidential, they are more likely to openly communicate their symptoms, concerns, and medical history. This, in turn, enables doctors to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans. It also helps establish a strong doctor-patient relationship based on trust and respect.

Explanation

Confidentiality and privacy are important concepts in healthcare because they allow patients to feel comfortable sharing information with their doctors. When patients trust that their personal information will be kept confidential, they are more likely to openly communicate their symptoms, concerns, and medical history. This, in turn, enables doctors to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans. It also helps establish a strong doctor-patient relationship based on trust and respect.