Patient’s Rights, Mandatory Reporting, Confidentiality & Hippa

Utah law requires health care professionals to report cases of rape, domestic violence, violent assault, and child abuse to the authorities.

• True

• False

According to the BVH Employee Manual, disclosure of confidential information is grounds for immediate dismissal.

• True

• False

 You do not have to report child abuse if you don’t believe that the person is being truthful or might be “playing a game”  

• True

• False

Patients of BVH have the right to participate in their formulation and implementation of their treatment plan.

• True

• False

Patients have the right to personal privacy within the hospital though it may be limited by their condition or the necessity of a roommate.

• True

• False

Patients may be frustrated with their care without reason.

• True

• False

You may discuss patient information with a spouse of a patient provided that you have not been instructed otherwise by the patient.

• True

• False

Clergy members are a special exception regarding confidentiality laws.

• True

• False

Patients may ring their call light as often as they like and expect friendly service. 

• True

• False

It is appropriate to discuss the fact that an individual is a patient in the hospital provided that no specific information regarding their condition is provided.

• True

• False

  Only those who provide direct care to the patient are required to report if they know of a situation involving child abuse or neglect.  

• True

• False

  If you make a report to law enforcement regarding child abuse or domestic violence, and the report turns out to be not true, the family may sue you civilly and you may also be charged criminally.  

• True

• False

If you see an acquaintance in the waiting room, it is appropriate to ask, “how’s it goin?” 

• True

• False

It is not considered a breech of confidentiality to speak to other hospital employees regarding the condition of a patient because they have confidentiality requirements.

• True

• False

Patients who are physically impaired and struggle with ambulation should not be allowed to use restroom facilities independently.

• True

• False

It is the responsibility of hospital staff to assist patients to formulate advance directives.

• True

• False

Parents of a child have the right to refuse treatment unless it is an obvious life threatening situation.

• True

• False

  Hospital policy requires nursing staff to notify the Social Worker of Priority I events in the E.R. unless otherwise told by the attending physician.  

• True

• False

Patients are allowed to have a copy of their records immediately upon request. 

• True

• False

 •Beaver Valley Hospital has adopted the following in regards to patient’s rights.  Each patient receives a copy of their rights when they are admitted to the hospital and this document is posted throughout the facility.  •You have the right to access all medical records and to purchase at a cost not to exceed the community standard, and within a reasonable time frame, photocopies of your record. •You have the right to be fully informed of your medical health status in a language you can understand. •You have the right to refuse treatment. •You have the right to formulate an advanced directive.  If you would like more information regarding advance directives, please ask a member of the staff. •You have the right to considerate and respectful care and to be free from all forms of abuse and harassment. •You have the right to participate in decision making involved in managing your health care with your physician and nursing staff or to have a designated representative involved. •You have the right to express complaints regarding the care received and to have those complaints resolved to your satisfaction.  You can lodge a complaint at any time.  Your complaint can be made verbally or in writing.  You can express a complaint to any member of the hospital staff, administration or physician.  If the complaint is such you wish not to contact a member of the staff, an address will be provided.  •You have the right to refuse to participate in experimental treatment or research. •You have the right to personal privacy.  You have the right to be examined and treated in surroundings designed to give visual and auditory privacy as your condition allows. •You have the right to confidentiality of your records and your hospital stay.    

Beaver Valley Hospital would like to affirm its stance on confidentiality and reminds all employees that a breech of confidentiality could result in termination of employment. One of the biggest strengths of this facility is the kindness and friendliness of its staff. One of the most difficult challenges is the kindness and friendliness of the staff.   Employee Handbook states: –When a patient enters the hospital, we assume an obligation to keep in confidence all that pertains to the patient and relatives.  This responsibility is shared by you and everyone working at this facility.  Reasons for admissions, diagnosis and treatment of patients, are absolutely confidential informational and must be respected.  Information concerning patients is never discussed with anyone not involved in the direct car of the patient, in or about of the hospital.  Disclosure of confidential material will be grounds for immediate dismissal. –News releases are to be made only by the Administrator or a specially authorized person in his absence.   Internal confidentiality/privacy: Employees should continue to be friendly and helpful. Employees should consciously avoid asking questions that puts patients “on the spot.” –How are you? –Hey, what’s going on?  Though appropriate questions outside the facility, there are other ways to be friendly that do not encourage the sharing of medical information.   Remember that pt. information is on a NEED TO KNOW basis.  If employees are not DIRECTLY involved in the patient’s care, they do not need to know. Please be careful when discussing patient information in places that others might be present or able to hear what you are saying.  

  Simply remember to be very cautious about information you obtain while in the facility.  Though it may seem innocent, any information you provide may cause a problem for another person.  Be friendly, helpful and very confidential!  

  Mandatory reporting is required by Utah Law. Situations that require mandatory reporting may include but is not limited to: –Domestic Violence –Child Abuse –Assault –Gunshot wound –Accident of a suspicious nature –Rape   Domestic Violence facts: –More than two million women are severely assaulted each year. –Injuries related to domestic violence are more common than auto accidents, common accidents or all other factors combined. –25-35% of all injuries treated in an emergency room will be DV related. –Utah law mandates that injuries inflicted by the act of a another person must be reported by health care professionals to law enforcement.   Child abuse must be reported by ANY individual.  Laws protecting children are clear and easy to interpret.  In a hospital setting, health care professionals are especially responsible to report any suspected issues of child abuse. -A health care provider that fails to report abuse of any kind is subject to prosecution and can be charged with a class b misdemeanor and a fine of up to $1000.  -  Beaver Valley Hospital policy requires that nursing staff notify the social work department in the following situations: –Rape Child Abuse –Domestic Violence Suicide attempt –Violent Crime Non-accidental wound –Suspicious accident   -The policy requires that nursing staff contact the LCSW regardless of the opinion of any other professional.- -The policy complies with Utah law and discharges liability from the RN to the LCSW. -It is important to remember that it remains the responsibility of the observing party to ensure that the alleged abuse is reported.  However, if you follow hospital policy, it does essential discharge your liability.   

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