Question

Research and explain at least one health care organization that has had recent breach of patient information. What stands out to you about the specific situation? What are your thoughts on the consequences and ways to safeguard the system?

Answer 1

There is a situation in a hospital where the patient information has been breached by texting the information via Watsapp.A consultant from a hospital has texted the patient blood report values and the condition of the patient for second opinion which comes under the breach of patient information as no one has any right to break the confidentiality of the patient.This can only be done in a legal way by the acceptance of either the patient or their family member by signing in a consent form.It may seem harmless but it is potentially placing patient data in the hands of cyber criminals who would easily access the information.This comes under HIPAA violation.The privacy and and security of patient health information should be a priority of all healthcare clinicians and medical professionals.Conducting HIPAA training anually or 6months once can prevent potential violations.There are also new encryption programs that allow confidential information to be safely texted ,but both the parties must have it installed on their wireless device,which is not happening actually.Most of the violations occuring can be easily prevented by implementing HIPAA regulations into practice policies and procedured ensuring that all individuals to access the patient information receive the proper training.