Question

Analyze the ways in which patients' privacy is protected for effective record keeping, use, and disclosure. Then, think about and describe a situation in which protected health information (PHI) is reportable. What are your thoughts on disclosing PHI in reportable situations? Does it represent a breach of patient confidentiality? Explain your viewpoint. Think about why it is permissible to disclose PHI in these situations, yet it must be de-identified in other situations.

Answer 1

To have privacy is the right of a patient and the health care team should keep the patient information confidentially. Patient's privacy is protected for effective record keeping, use and disclosure using secure computer systems, lockers, and also using laws and confidentiality agreements.

There are several laws and policies regarding collection, record keeping, use and disclosure of patient information. The patient owns his or her health information and only they have the right to give consent to share health information. But the Patient Health Information can be reported ,if the failure of disclosure can lead to serious threat or death to others or the patient itself.For example;

(a)If a patient is physically, mentally or sexually abused, the health information can be reported

(b) If a patient is having any contagious disease then the health information can be reported as the public needs to be warned.

(c) Any legal cases, which needs disclosure of information.

Exposing patient information is a breach to confidentiality. But if the information is helpful for the health and safety of others or the patient itself or in case the information can reduce or a threat to public, it is recommended for disclose the information with or without the consent of the patient. Seeking the consent is patient is good if it won't interrupt the purpose of disclosure.

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