Transcript Section I - HIPAA COW

Privacy and Security
Training Session!
Draft v.12
4/8/15
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This HIPAA Privacy & Security Training Session Copyright  by the HIPAA Collaborative
of Wisconsin (“HIPAA COW”) may be freely redistributed in its entirety provided that this
copyright notice is not removed. When information from this document is used, HIPAA
COW shall be referenced as a resource. It may not be sold for profit or used in commercial
documents without the written permission of the copyright holder. This HIPAA Privacy &
Security Training Session is provided “as is” without any express or implied warranty. It is
for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you require legal
advice, you should consult with an attorney. Unless otherwise noted, HIPAA COW has not
addressed all state pre-emption issues related to this HIPAA Privacy & Security Training
Session. Therefore, this document may need to be modified in order to comply with
Wisconsin/State law.
This document is not a complete summary covering every aspect of the Privacy and Security
Rules. You may need to modify content to suit your organization’s policies and procedures.
Slides are provided for informational purposes only.
It is recommended to select only those slides or groups of slides that are relevant to
your training purposes.
This Training Session is not meant to be presented as is, but as a starting point or idea
generator only.
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What is HIPAA?
Why is HIPAA Important?
HIPAA Definitions
HIPAA Enforcement
Patient Rights
HIPAA Privacy
Requirements
The Breach Notification
Rule
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Release of Information
(ROI)
HIPAA Security Rule
PHI Safeguarding Tips
Business Associate
Agreements
HIPAA Violations and
Complaints
Discussion Slides
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Privacy Officer:
[Insert Name and contact information]
Security Officer:
[Insert Name and contact information]
Compliance Committee Members:
[Insert Names and contact information]
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Acronym for Health Insurance Portability & Accountability
Act of 1996 (45 C.F.R. parts 160 & 164).
Provides a framework for establishment of nationwide
protection of patient confidentiality, security of electronic
systems, and standards and requirements for electronic
transmission of health information.
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Health Information Privacy and Portability Act of 1996
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• Privacy Rule
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• Security Rule
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• Electronic Data
Exchange
Each part of HIPAA is governed by different laws
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Privacy Rule went into effect April 14, 2003.
Privacy refers to protection of an individual’s health care data.
Defines how patient information used and disclosed.
Gives patients privacy rights and more control over their own health
information.
Outlines ways to safeguard Protected Health Information (PHI).
Note: Some Wisconsin Privacy Laws (e.g. WI Chapters 51, 146, 252 and DHS 92, are
more stringent than HIPAA Privacy Rule
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Security (IT) regulations went into effect April 21, 2005.
Security means controlling:
◦ Confidentiality of electronic protected health information (ePHI).
◦ Storage of electronic protected health information (ePHI)
◦ Access into electronic information
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◦ Defines transfer format of electronic information between providers and
payers to carry out financial or administrative activities related to health
care.
◦ Information includes coding, billing and insurance verification.
◦ Goal of using the same formats is to ultimately make billing process more
efficient.
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To show our commitment to protecting privacy
As an employee, you are obligated to comply with [Insert Your
Organization Name] privacy and security policies and procedures
Our patients/members are placing their trust in us to preserve the
privacy of their most sensitive and personal information
Compliance is not an option, it is required.
If you choose not to follow the rules:
◦ You could be put at risk, including personal penalties and
sanctions
◦ You could put [insert organization name] at risk, including financial
and reputational harm
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HIPAA Regulations require we protect our patients’ PHI in all media including, but not
limited to, PHI created, stored, or transmitted in/on the following media:
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Verbal Discussions (i.e. in person or on the phone)
Written on paper (i.e. chart, progress notes, encounter forms, prescriptions,
x-ray orders, referral forms and explanation of benefit (EOBs) forms
Computer Applications and Systems (i.e. electronic health record (EHR),
Practice Management, Lab and X-Ray
Computer Hardware/Equipment (i.e. PCs, laptops, PDAs, pagers, fax
machines, servers and cell phones
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Section II
Why is HIPAA Important?
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Outlines ways to prevent accidental and intentional
misuse of PHI.
Makes PHI secure with minimal impact to staff and
business processes.
It’s not just about HIPAA – it’s about doing the
right thing!
Shows our commitment to managing electronic
protected health information (ePHI) with the same care
and respect as we expect of our own private
information
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It is everyone’s responsibility to take the confidentiality of patient
information seriously.
Anytime you come in contact with patient information or any PHI
that is written, spoken or electronically stored, YOU become
involved with some facet of the privacy and security regulations.
The law requires us to train you.
To ensure your understanding of the Privacy and Security Rules
as they relate to your job.
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HIPAA Definitions
What is Protected Health Information (PHI)?
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Protected Health Information (PHI) is individually identifiable
health information that is:
◦ Created or received by a health care provider, health plan,
employer, or health care clearinghouse and that
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Relates to the past, present, or future physical or mental
health or condition of an individual;
Relates to the provision of health care to an individual
The past, present or future payment for the provision of
health care to an individual.
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HIPAA Definitions
◦ Information in the health record, such as:
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Encounter/visit documentation
Lab results
Appointment dates/times
Invoices
Radiology films and reports
History and physicals (H&Ps)
Patient Identifiers
Lab
X-Ray
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Physical
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HIPAA Definitions
What are Patient Identifiers?
PHI includes information by which the identity of a patient can be
determined with reasonable accuracy and speed either directly or by
reference to other publicly available information.
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HIPAA Definitions
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Names
Medical Record Numbers
Social Security Numbers
Account Numbers
License/Certification numbers
Vehicle Identifiers/Serial
numbers/License plate numbers
Internet protocol addresses
Health plan numbers
Full face photographic images and
any comparable images
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Web universal resource locaters
(URLs)
Any dates related to any individual
(date of birth)
Telephone numbers
Fax numbers
Email addresses
Biometric identifiers including
finger and voice prints
Any other unique identifying
number, characteristic or code
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What Are Uses and Disclosures?
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Uses
◦ When we review or use
PHI internally (i.e. audits,
training, customer service,
or quality improvement).
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Disclosures:
◦ When we release or
provide PHI to someone
(i.e. attorney, patient or
faxing records to another
provider).
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What is Minimum Necessary?
◦ To use or disclose/release only the minimum necessary to accomplish
intended purposes of the use, disclosure, or request.
◦ Requests from employees at [Organization]:
 Identify each workforce member who needs to access PHI.
 Limit the PHI provided on a “need-to-know” basis.
◦ Requests from individuals not employed at [Organization]:
 Limit the PHI provided to what is needed to accomplish the purpose
for which the request was made.
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HIPAA Definitions
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HIPAA allows Use and/or Disclosure of PHI for purpose of:
◦ Treatment – providing care to patients.
◦ Payment – the provision of benefits and premium payment.
◦ Health Care Operations – normal business activities (i.e. reporting, quality
improvement, training, auditing, customer service and resolution of grievances data
collection and eligibility checks and accreditation).
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HIPAA Enforcement
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It’s the law.
To protect our reputation.
To avoid potential withholding of federal Medicaid and Medicare
funds.
To build trust between providers and patients.
If patients feel their PHI will be kept confidential, they will be more likely to share information needed for care.
[p
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Federal Government protects PHI through HIPAA regulations
◦ Civil penalties up to $1,500,000/year for identical types of violations.
 Willful neglect violations are mandatory!
◦ Criminal penalties:
 $50,000 fine and 1 year prison for knowingly obtaining and wrongfully
sharing information.
 $100,000 fine and 5 years prison for obtaining and disclosing through
false pretenses.
 $250,000 fine and 10 years prison for obtaining and disclosing for
commercial advantage, personal gain, or malicious harm.
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Our organization, through the Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP).
You, by following our policies and procedures.
You
Organization
Government
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How are the HIPAA Regulations Enforced?
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The Public. The public is educated about their privacy rights
and will not tolerate violations! They will take action.
Office For Civil Rights (OCR). The agency that enforces the
privacy regulations providing guidance and monitoring
compliance.
Department of Justice (DOJ). Agency involved in criminal
privacy violations. Provides fines, penalties and imprisonment
to offenders.
Department of
Justice
HIPAA
Enforcement
Office for Civil Rights
Public
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Patient Rights
What Are the Patient’s Rights Under HIPAA?
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The Right to Individual Privacy
The Right to Expect Health Care Providers Will
Protect These Rights
Other Patient Rights Include: Access, Communications, Special Requests,
Amendment, Accounting of Disclosures, Notice of Privacy Practices and
Reminders, and the Right to File Complaints.
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What is the purpose of the NPP?
◦ Summarizes how [Organization] uses and discloses
patient’s PHI.
◦ Details patient’s rights with respect to their PHI
The Organization must request that new patients sign the
NPP acknowledgment form at the time of their first visit.
◦ Patients sign the Acknowledgment of Receipt to confirm
that they have been offered and/or received the NPP.
◦ If unable to obtain a signed Acknowledgement, the
Organization must document its good faith efforts to
obtain such acknowledgement and the reason why it
could not obtain it.
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Patient’s have the right to inspect and copy their PHI.
However, there are some situations where access may be denied or delayed:
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Psychotherapy notes.
PHI compiled for civil, criminal or administrative action or proceedings.
PHI subject to CLIA Act of 1988 when access prohibited by law.
If access would endanger a person’s life or safety based upon professional
judgment.
If a correctional inmate’s request may jeopardize health and safety of the
inmate, other inmates or others at the correctional institution.
If a research study has previously secured agreement from the individual to
deny access.
If access is protected by the Federal Privacy Act.
If PHI was obtained under promise of confidentiality and access would reveal
the source of the PHI.
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Patient has the right to request to receive communication by
alternative means or location. For example:
◦ The patient may request a bill be sent directly to him instead of
to his insurance company.
◦ The patient may request we contact her on cell phone instead of
home telephone number.
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Example: If a patient requests that we always call a family
member instead of her directly, what are some options:
◦ Your organization may have specific form to complete
◦ Your organization may have a policy to refer such requests to Patient
Relations or another customer service department
◦ Usually, organization will have a process in place to document the
patient’s wishes in his/her medical record
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Patient has the right to request an amendment or correction to PHI
However, may be a situation when request may be denied, including:
 [Organization] did not create the information.
 Record accurate according to health care professional that wrote it.
 Information is not part of the [Organization’s] record.
If a patient indicates there is an error in his/her record, what are some
options:
 Your organization may have a specific form to be completed
 Your organization may have process in place to direct requests to
Member Relations or another customer service department
 Usually, an approved amendment will be directed to the Health
Information Management Department or Privacy Officer
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Record Restriction may be requested by the patient if he/she wishes to
change or restrict how your organization uses and discloses your PHI.
◦ Organization must honor request to restrict disclosure to a health plan:
 If the disclosure is for the purpose of carrying out payment or health care
operations and is not otherwise required by law; and
 The PHI pertains to items and services paid by the patient or patient
representative in-full.
◦ For all other requests for restrictions, organization must make reasonable
effort to honor request, but approval is not required
◦ Organization typically has a form to complete to request the restriction
◦ Patient may later revoke a request for record restriction.
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Accounting of Disclosures is a request for a list of disclosures of a patient’s
PHI that did not require an authorization or the opportunity for the patient to
agree or object.
◦ Organization typically has a form to complete to request the accounting
◦ The HIPAA rules require the organization to provide certain information
about the disclosure, such as date, name of person who received the PHI, a
description of the PHI and the purpose of the disclosure.
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Individual may request accounting of disclosures as far back as six years
before the time of the request.
◦ Organization must provide the first accounting without charge.
Subsequent requests for accountings by the same individual within a 12
month period may be charged a reasonable, cost-based fee, as long as the
organization provides notice to the individual.
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Accounting of Disclosures Does Not Include Disclosures For:
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Treatment (to persons involved in the individual’s care), payment
or health care operations.
Individual subject of PHI.
Incident to an otherwise permitted disclosure.
Disclosure based on individual’s signed authorization.
For facility directory.
For national security or intelligence purposes.
To correctional facilities or law enforcement on behalf of
inmates.
As part of a limited data set (see 45 CFR s. 164.514).
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Accounting of Disclosures Does Include Disclosures For:
◦ Required by law
◦ For public health activities
◦ Victims of abuse, neglect,
violence
◦ Health oversight activities
◦ Judicial/Administrative
proceedings
◦ Law enforcement purposes
◦ Organ/eye/tissue donations
◦ Research purposes
◦ To avert threat to health and
safety
◦ For specialized government
functions
◦ About decedents
◦ Workers’ compensation
◦ Releases made in error to an
incorrect person/entity (i.e.
breach)
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HIPAA Privacy Requirements
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Privacy Officer Responsibilities
◦ Development and implementation of the policies and
procedures of the entity
◦ Designated to receive and address complaints regarding
Privacy
◦ Provide additional information as requested about matters
covered by the Notice of Privacy Practices
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Designation of the Privacy Officer must be documented
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Members of the workforce who handle PHI require
training
◦ Required upon hire and recommended annually
◦ As material changes are implemented, training to appropriate
workforce members affected by that change
◦ Documentation of the training, who attended, the topic covered
and date the training was held
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Implementation of administrative, physical and
technical safeguards (work in tandem with Security
rule).
Safeguard PHI from any intentional or unintentional
use or disclosure.
Limit incidental uses and disclosures that occur as a
result of otherwise permitted or required uses and
disclosures.
◦ Example: create safeguards to prevent others from
overhearing PHI.
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Individuals may file complaints with
[Organization’s] Privacy Official regarding
health information privacy violations or
[Organization’s] privacy compliance program.
Individuals may file complaints with the
Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Civil Rights.
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Develop and apply appropriate sanctions for the noncompliance with [Organization’s] policies and
procedures.
Document sanctions that are applied.
◦ NOTE: “Sanctions” can be referred to as discipline or
corrective action.
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[Organization] must mitigate, to the extent practicable,
any harmful effects known to the [Organization] of a
use or disclosure of PHI (by the Covered Entity or
Business Associate) in violation of the [Organization’s]
policies and procedures or the requirements of the
Privacy Rule.
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[Organization] may not intimidate, threaten, coerce,
discriminate against, or take other retaliatory action
against:
◦ Individuals for exercising their rights or filing a complaint;
◦ Individuals and others for:
 Filing a complaint with the Secretary;
 Testifying, assisting, or participating in an investigation,
compliance review, proceeding, or hearing; or
 Good faith opposition to a prohibited act or practice
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[Organization] cannot require an individual
to waive their rights provided under this
rule for the purpose of providing treatment,
payment or enrollment in a health plan or
eligibility for benefits.
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[Organization] must implement policies and procedures
designed to comply with the Breach and Privacy Rules.
[Organization ] must change policies and procedures as
necessary and appropriate to comply with changes in the law
and maintain consistency between policies, procedures and
the Notice of Privacy Practices.
[Organization] must document all changes made to policies
and procedures and maintain all policies for 6 years.
[Organization] must train employees on changes made to
policies and procedures.
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[Organization] must maintain all documentation for 6
years from the date of its creation, including:
◦ Policies and procedures in written or electronic form;
◦ Communications in written or electronic form when such
communications are required in writing;
◦ Written or electronic records of actions, activities, or
designations as required.
Event
Investigation
Resolution
Corrective
Action
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Documentation
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The following activities occurring in the absence of patient
authorization are considered misuse of protected health information
(PHI):
No! You must
have
authorization
first!f!
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Access
Using
Taking
Possession
Release
Editing
Destruction
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Type I -- Inadvertent or Unintentional Disclosure
◦ Inadvertent, unintentional or negligent act which violates policy and which may
or may not result in PHI being disclosed.
◦ Disciplinary action for a Type I disclosure will typically be a verbal warning,
re-education, and review and signing of the Confidentiality Agreement.
However, disciplinary action is determined with the collaboration of the Privacy
Officer, Director of Human Resources and the department manager.
Type II – Intentional Disclosure
◦ Intentional act which violates the organization’s policies pertaining to that PHI
which may or may not result in actual harm to the patient or personal gain to the
employee.
◦ Breach notification processes will be followed as described in the Breach
Notification Policy.
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Breach Notification Rule
Definition of Breach (45 C.F.R. 164.402)
Impermissible use or disclosure of (unsecured) PHI is assumed to
be a breach unless the covered entity or business associate,
demonstrates a low probability that the PHI has been
compromised based on a risk assessment.
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Unsecured PHI
“Unsecured protected health information” means protected health information
(PHI) that is not rendered unusable, unreadable, or indecipherable to
unauthorized persons through the use of a technology or methodology
required by the Breach Notification Rule.
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Risk Assessment under the Final Rule requires consideration of
at least these four factors:
 The nature and extent of the PHI involved, including the types
of identifiers and the likelihood of re-identification;
 The unauthorized person who used the PHI or to whom the
disclosure was made;
 Whether the PHI was actually acquired or viewed; and
 The extent to which the risk to the PHI has been mitigated
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Evaluate the nature and the extent of the PHI involved, including types of
identifiers and likelihood of re-identification of the PHI:
◦ Social security number, credit card, financial data (risk of
identity theft or financial or other fraud)
◦ Clinical detail, diagnosis, treatment, medications
◦ Mental health, substance abuse, sexually transmitted
diseases, pregnancy
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Consider the unauthorized person who impermissibly used the PHI or to
whom the impermissible disclosure was made:
 Does the unauthorized person who received the information have
obligations to protect its privacy and security?
 Is that person workforce of a covered entity or a business associate?
 Does the unauthorized person who received the PHI have the wherewithal
to re-identify it?
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Consider whether the PHI was actually acquired or viewed or if only the
opportunity existed for the information to be acquired or viewed
Example:
◦ Laptop computer was stolen, later recovered and IT analysis shows that PHI
on the computer was never accessed, viewed, acquired, transferred, or
otherwise compromised
◦ The entity could determine the information was not actually acquired by an
unauthorized individual, although opportunity existed
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Consider the extent to which the risk to the PHI has been mitigated:
◦ Example: Obtain the recipient’s satisfactory assurance that information
will not be further used or disclosed
 Confidentiality Agreement
 Destruction, if credible
 Reasonable Assurance
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Evaluate the overall probability that the PHI has been compromised by
considering all the factors in combination (and more, as needed)
Risk assessments should be:
 Thorough
 Performed in good faith
 Conclusions should be reasonably based on the facts
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If evaluation of the factors fails to demonstrate low probability that the
PHI has been compromised, breach notification is required
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A covered entity or business associate has the discretion to
provide the required notifications following an impermissible use
or disclosure or protected health information without performing
a risk assessment
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Guidance Specifying the Technologies and Methodologies that Render
Protected Health Information Unusable, Unreadable, or Indecipherable to
Unauthorized Individuals
No breach notification required for PHI that is encrypted in accordance with
the guidance
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A breach is treated as discovered:
◦ On first day the breach is known to the covered entity, or
◦ In the exercise of reasonable diligence, it should have been known to the
covered entity.
Notification time period for a breach begins when the organization did or
should have known it existed
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 Fax Document to Wrong Location
 “Hello, this is Pizza Plaza on Stark Street. Did you mean
to fax me this lab result for Fred Flintstone?”
 Enter Incorrect Medical Record Number
 “I guess I was just typing too fast.”
 Forgetting to Verify Patient Identity
 “There were seven patients with the name Barney Rubble.
I should have confirmed his date of birth.”
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Section VIII
Release of Information
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When releasing PHI, it is important to know when a patient’s
authorization is required. Patient authorizations are governed by
state and federal law.
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I received a request to release PHI. What now?
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Is the individual's authorization required before [Organization Name]
can release PHI?
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Under certain circumstances (e.g., treatment, payment, or health
care operations), the individual’s authorization is not required
(more on this later).
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An authorization is required for disclosures of PHI not otherwise
permitted by the Privacy Rule or more stringent state law.
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If so, has the authorization been filled out completely and
correctly?
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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Individual's name
[Organization Name] (or a [Organization Name] employee or department)
as the party authorized to make the disclosure
Name of the person, organization or agency to whom the disclosure is to be
made
Purpose of the disclosure
Specific and meaningful description of the information to be disclosed
A.
6.
7.
Note: If the release includes sensitive information (e.g., alcohol or drug abuse
treatment records, developmental disability records, HIV test results, reproductive
health), these must be affirmatively specified by the individual
The individual's right to revoke the authorization and either the exceptions
on the right to revoke and a description of how to revoke or a reference to
[Organization Name]’s Notice of Privacy Practices as appropriate
Statement of the ability or inability to condition treatment, payment,
enrollment or eligibility for benefits
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8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Statement on the potential for re-disclosure
If the release will involve marketing remuneration to [Organization Name], a
statement outlining this
If the authorization relates to Wisconsin Statute Chapter 51 treatment
records, the authorization must include a statement that the individual has a
right to inspect and receive a copy of the material to be disclosed
Expiration date or event
Time period during which the authorization is effective
Signature and date signed and
A.
14.
If signed by a personal representative, a description of his/her authority to sign and
relationship to individual must be provided
Must be written in plain language
If any element is missing, the authorization is not valid. Also, a copy of the
authorization must be provided to the individual.
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Evaluating Authorizations:
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Should the access be denied? Has the access been denied?
Is [Organization Name] providing only the information specified in the
authorization?
Is the authorization combined with another type of document to create an
inappropriate compound authorization?
In what form/format should the information be provided?
How much time does [Organization Name] have to respond
to the request?
What fees can/should be applied?
Note: If you are uncertain about any of these steps, ask [Organization]’s Privacy Officer.
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The patient’s Authorization to Release Information stated
only the records from 2002 to 2006 should be sent to the
attorney. The Release of Information (ROI) Technician
didn’t notice the limitation and sent documentation of a
motor vehicle accident in 2010. She lost her court case and
was fined $50,000.
The patient later filed a complaint with the ROI Technician’s employer
and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the ROI Technician was fired
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Sometimes an authorization is not needed.
Read on to learn more…….
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


Uses and disclosures of PHI for (TPO):
◦ Treatment
◦ Payment
◦ Health Care Operations
Disclosures required or permitted by law.
If use of the information does not fall under one of these categories you must
have the patient’s signed authorization (written permission) before sharing
that information with anyone.
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When Authorization IS Required:
• Use or disclosure of psychotherapy notes
• Except in limited circumstances, use and disclosure of PHI for
marketing purposes
• When selling PHI
When Authorization IS NOT Required:
• Disclosures to the individual
• Uses and disclosures for treatment by your physician
• Uses and disclosures for quality assurance activities
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


Wisconsin laws may require authorizations, even though HIPAA doesn’t
In 2014, Wisconsin passed the “HIPAA Harmonization Law,” at Wis. Stat.
s. 146.816, which aligns Wisconsin’s confidentiality law with HIPAA for
TPO uses and disclosures
The next few slides summarize a few of the more commonly used
Wisconsin confidentiality laws…
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Statute
Summary
146.82, Wis.
Stat.
Covers general medical health care PHI and authorization
requirements
51.30, Wis.
Stat.
Covers PHI relating to mental health, AODA, and
developmentally disabled treatment, authorization
requirements, and penalties
DHS 92 Adm.
Code
DHS 144,
Adm. Code
Further covers confidentiality of mental health treatment
records (with 51.30)
Covers release of immunizations between vaccine
providers, and to schools specifically for minors
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Statute
Summary
102.13 &
102.33 Wis.
Stat.
Covers records reasonably related to a worker’s
compensation claim and release to the employee (patient),
employer, worker’s compensation insurer, or Department
with a written request
610.70 Wis.
Stat.
Covers disclosure of personal medical information by
insurers
252.15, Wis.
Stat.
Covers health care information relating to HIV testing
and authorization requirements
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Statute
Summary
42 CFR, Part 2 Federal Alcohol and Drug Regulations which covers use
and release of a patient’s drug and alcohol abuse records
in a federally assisted program
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

Your organization may have restrictions or alerts designed to
bring an employee’s attention to specific information
For example:
◦ Patient is adopted. Check [insert where to find flag/restriction] for
special instructions
◦ Patient has authorized spouse to receive lab results on her behalf.
Check [insert where to find flag or restriction] for more information
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

Prior to releasing PHI, ask the individual to provide you with enough
information to identify the patient, such as:
◦
Name
◦
Date of Birth
◦
Address
◦
Other identifiers: Social security number, mother’s maiden name
Identify someone other than the patient by requesting he or she provide you
with all the above information, as well as his or her relationship to the
patient.
◦
◦
◦
◦

Check a physical signature against a known one on file
Make a call-back to a known number
Ask for a photo ID
Ask for a business card
Provide only the minimum necessary to safeguard PHI.
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


Once you know who the requestor is, be sure he or she has the
right to access this information
Routine requests from employees you know in [the
organization] who have business related reason to obtain
information are authorized to do so
Unusual requests from individuals you don’t know can be
risky, so before sharing PHI:
– Ask your supervisor
– And/or check [organization’s] HIPAA Privacy Policies and Procedures
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

If an individual would like to find out if a patient is in our facility, but he or
she is not in our Facility Directory:
◦ Do not confirm or deny the patient is here until you:
 Obtain the names of the patient and individual making the request
 Inform the requesting individual that if the patient is in our facility, and
agrees for us to notify them of this, you will…
Privately call the department in which the patient is located
◦ That department should ask the patient if their location and/or condition may be
released to this individual
 If the patient agrees, provide information to requesting individual
 If patient not in facility, or does not agree to notify the requesting individual
he/she is here, inform the requesting individual that you are unable to confirm
or deny whether or not the patient is in the facility
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
Use the following protected health information to maintain a
directory of individuals in its facility:
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
(F)
Individual’s name
The individual’s location in the health care provider’s facility
Individual’s general condition, no specific information
The individual’s religious affiliation
Use of disclosure for directory purposes of such information
To members of the clergy; or except religious affiliation, to others who
ask for individual by name
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 Patients have the right to opt out of having their information
disclosed from a facility directory. There may be State laws that
also apply as to what qualifies as directory information.
 The patient must be provided an opportunity to express his or her
preference about how, or if, facility directory information may be
disclosed. Disclosure of directory information may still occur if
doing so is in the individual’s best interest as determined in the
professional judgment of the provider and would not be inconsistent
with any known preference previously expressed by the individual.
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
HIPAA requires reasonable steps to limit the use and
disclosures of, and requests for, protected health information to
the minimum necessary to accomplish the intended purpose.

The standard does not apply to the following:
◦ Disclosures to or requests by a health care provider for treatment
purposes
◦ Disclosures to the individual subject of the information
◦ Uses or disclosures made pursuant to the individual’s authorization
◦ Use or disclosures required for compliance with Health Insurance HIPAA
administrative Simplification Rules
◦ Disclosures to the Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) when
disclosure is required under the Privacy Rule for enforcement purposes
◦ Uses or disclosures that are required by other laws
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


Document the release, when required by law, or
[Organization’s] policies
Neither HIPAA nor Wisconsin law requires documentation of
disclosures for purposes relating to treatment (providing and
coordinating care); payment (billing for services rendered);
and health care operations (internal business)
HIPAA requires documentation of breaches and other releases
of information
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
Why do we have to document when we release
PHI (when required by law)?
◦

Patients have the right to request a record of what PHI
was released and to whom (Accounting of Disclosures)
Documentation of releases of information
applies to both verbal and written disclosures
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
◦
◦
◦
If you don’t know for sure if information can be released:
Don’t guess!
Contact [Organization] Privacy Officer at [insert number]
Contact HIM Department at [insert number]
Next, we’ll move on to some release of information examples…
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
Verbal disclosure of information permissible when:
◦ Patient present and alert – patient decides
◦ Patient incapable to make wishes known – inferred permission to
discuss current care
◦ Needed for care or payment
 Information needed for patient’s care
 Family member/friend must clearly be involved in payment for care
(involvement is obvious, patient stated so)

Notify family or friend(s) who are involved in patient’s care
of:
◦
◦
◦
◦
Patient’s general condition
Patient’s location
Patient being ready for discharge
Patient’s death
Disclosures of this nature exclude paper copies
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
A divorced parent calls to get information on their
child. Can you release it?
◦ If the parents are divorced, either parent may get access to the records
with a proper release. Assume that they can get records unless told
otherwise.

When parental rights are in question:
◦ Obtain the court documents for the child’s file from one of the parents.
◦ If parental rights for physical placement have been terminated,
Wisconsin law allows only the parent with sole physical placement to
access records.
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An individual calls to discuss appointment information with you for a patient and
states he is the patient’s legal guardian. May I discuss with the individual?
◦
Yes, after obtaining the court documents appointing the individual as
the patient’s Legal Guardian.
◦
Make a copy of the court documents for the patient’s file.
◦
Confirm that the information being provided is appropriate and
necessary.
◦
If unable to obtain court documents verifying legal guardianship, do
not discuss PHI with the individual.
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A step parent calls to discuss her stepchild’s care. May you discuss this with
her?
◦
No, unless the step-parent is a legal guardian and [Organization] has
the guardianship papers on file, or a legal guardian has provided
authorization.
◦
Step-parents may call to schedule appointments, but do not have
access to their stepchildren’s PHI without authorization by a legal
guardian.
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What are the release of information rules for foster parents?

A foster parent must provide a copy of their WI driver’s license or state ID and one or more of
the following:
◦ Foster Parent ID Card (state-issued)
◦ Foster Parent Authorization Form (signed by biological parent or another individual of the
proper authority). This form will describe the foster parent’s rights in health care
situations. (Note: this may be limited)
If the foster parent cannot produce these documents, are there other options?




Provide [organization] with name and phone number of their [Insert County]Social Worker
[Organization] may call the Foster Parent Intake Line at [Insert phone number] to confirm
[Organization] may call either biological parent, if information available, to confirm status.
Give foster parent the [organization] authorization form, if available, indicating that it must be
signed by a biological parent and returned to [organization].
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
The Designated Agent on patient’s power of attorney (POA) for health care
contacted me to discuss the patient’s care. May I discuss?
◦ It depends. The Designated Agent’s rights to access care, treatment
and payment information are not effective until the patient is declared
incapacitated by two physicians or one physician and one therapist
(with few exceptions)
◦ The POA must be reviewed in detail to ensure the requested
information is consistent with the rights outlined in the document.
◦ A Declaration of Incapacity Form should be submitted prior to
honoring a request from the designated agent.
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
What information can be disclosed in response to a Workers’
Compensation request?
◦
◦
We may disclose only those records reasonably related to the
Workers’ Compensation claim/condition without an
authorization
Patient’s written authorization is required to release any PHI
unrelated to the Workers’ Compensation claim
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
Can I release a patient’s address and/or insurance information
to a nursing home?
◦ Yes, if you know the requesting individual and the
request is legitimate
◦ If you are unfamiliar with the individual requesting the
information, ask for the following in writing:




◦
Patient’s name, date of birth, and address
Why the information is needed
Specific reason (e.g. treatment or payment)
The requestor’s name, name of the nursing home, and a direct telephone
to the nursing home (switchboard)
If uncertain, obtain patient authorization
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
A spouse answers the phone, or voice mail picks up. What information may
I provide?
◦
State your first name and that you are calling from [Organization
name] (include the site).
◦
Ask the patient to return your call, and provide your direct phone
number.
◦
Do not provide lab results, or other detailed information, other than an
appointment reminder.
◦
Example: “This is Sally from [Organization] calling for Johnny Doe.
Please call me back at your earliest convenience at [number]. Thank
you.”
◦
Ensure call is disconnected.
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
An individual arrives requesting to pick up a prescription for his neighbor.
Now what?
◦ Request he provide you with the patient’s name, date of birth,
address, and relationship to the patient.
◦ Confirm the patient’s and requestor’s information matches what the
patient provided when informing [organization] this individual was
picking up the prescription.
 If information is consistent, we can be assured that the patient
requested prescription pick-up by this individual (according to
Item Pick Up Policy).
◦ Request that the individual sign the Item Pick Up Form and provide
him with the prescription.
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
May PHI Be Transmitted via Fax Machine?
◦
◦
◦
Yes, but only when in best interest of patient care or payment of
claims.
Faxing sensitive PHI, such as HIV, mental health, AODA, and
STD’s is strongly discouraged.
It is best practice to test a fax number prior to transmitting
information. If this is not possible:





Restate the fax number to the individual providing it.
Obtain telephone number to contact the recipient with any
questions.
Do not include PHI on the cover sheet.
Verify you are including only correct patient’s information (i.e.
check the top and bottom pages).
Double check the fax number prior to transmission
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

We may not communicate with patients through e-mail at this time.
◦
The patient portal will provide the opportunity to electronically
communicate with our patients.
When sending ePHI to other organizations for required business functions
(i.e. treatment, payment or healthcare operations), encrypt the email per
[organization’s] procedures.
Note to Organization: Depending on your Email policy, include either this slide, or the next, but not both
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

We may communicate with patients through e-mail only if
the patient has signed the organization’s privacy and
security E-Mail Agreement.
When sending ePHI to anyone for treatment, payment or
healthcare operations, encrypt the e-mail per
[Organization’s] procedures, and verify the organization’s
confidentiality disclaimer is included.
Note to Organization: Depending on your Email policy, include either this slide, or the previous, but not both
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Section IX
HIPAA Security Rule
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
In general, the HIPAA Security Rule requires
covered entities and business associates to do the
following:
◦ Implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards
that reasonably and appropriately protect the confidentiality,
integrity, and availability of electronic protected health
information (ePHI) that is created, received, maintained or
transmitted.
◦ Protect against any reasonably anticipated threats or hazards
to the security or integrity of ePHI.
◦ Protect against any reasonably anticipated uses or disclosures
of ePHI that are not permitted or required under the Privacy
Rule.
◦ Ensure compliance with security by its workforce.
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Administrative Safeguards
Policies and procedures are REQUIRED and must
be followed by employees to maintain security (i.e.
disaster, internet and e-mail use)
Technical Safeguards
Technical devices needed to maintain security.
◦ Assignment of different levels of access
◦ Screen savers
◦ Devices to scan ID badges
◦ Audit trails
Physical Safeguards
Must have physical barriers and devices:
◦ Lock doors
◦ Monitor visitors
◦ Secure unattended computers
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◦ Internet Use
 Access only trusted, approved sites
 Don’t download programs to your workstation
◦ E-Mail
 Keep e-mail content professional
 Use work e-mail for work purposes only
 Don’t open e-mails or attachments if you are suspicious of
or don’t know the sender
 Don’t forward jokes
 Follow [Organization’s] policy for sending secure E-mails
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
How Do We Control ePHI Access?
◦ User names and passwords
◦ Biometrics
◦ Screen savers
◦ Automatic logoff
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
[Organization]must implement technical policies
and procedures for electronic information
systems that maintain ePHI to allow access only
to those persons or software programs that have
been granted access rights as specified in the
HIPAA Security Rule
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
[Organization]must assign a unique name and/or
number for identifying and tracking user identity. It
enables an entity to hold users accountable for
functions performed on information systems with
ePHI when logged into those systems.
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The Security Rule requires [organization] to implement
procedures regarding access controls, which can include
the creation and use of passwords, to verify that a person
or entity seeking access to ePHI is the one claimed.
 The use of a strong password to protect access to
ePHI is an appropriate and expected risk
management strategy.

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Access to ePHI
User Names and Passwords
What Makes a Strong Password?




Use at least 6-8 characters.
Use a minimum of 2 letters and 1 number, and capital and lower case
letters
Use a “pass-phrase” such as MbcFi2yo (My brown cat Fluffy is two
years old)
Do not use passwords that others may be able to guess:
◦ Spouse’s Name, Pet or Child’s Name
◦ Significant Dates
◦ Favorite sports teams
User Names and Passwords are required by the HIPAA Security Rule
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What Can I Do to Help Protect
Our Computer Systems and Equipment?





Workstation use
◦ Restrict viewing access to others
◦ Follow appropriate log-on and log-off procedures
◦ Lock your workstation, press Ctrl-Alt-Del or Windows key + “L”
◦ Use automatic screen savers that lock your computer when not in use
Do not add your own software and do not change or delete ours
Know and follow organizational policies
If devices are lost, stolen or compromised, notify your supervisor
immediately!
Do not store PHI on mobile devices unless you are authorized to do so and
appropriate security safeguards have been implemented by your
organization
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E-Mail Security
Appropriate use of e-mail can prevent the accidental disclosure of
ePHI. Some tips or best practices include:
 Use email in accordance with policies and procedures defined by
the [Organization].
 Use e-mail for business purposes and do not use e-mail in a way
that is disruptive, offensive, or harmful.
 Verify email address before sending.
 Include a confidentiality disclaimer statement.
 Don’t open e-mail containing attachments when you don’t know
the sender.
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Audit Controls



The Security Rule requires organizations to implement hardware,
software, and/or procedural mechanisms that record and examine
activity in electronic information systems that contain or use ePHI.
Organizations should define the reasons for establishing audit trail
mechanisms and procedures for its electronic information systems
that contain ePHI.
Reasons may include, but are not limited to,
◦ System troubleshooting
◦ Policy enforcement
◦ Compliance with the Security Rule
◦ Mitigating risk of security incidents
◦ Monitoring workforce member activities and actions
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What else can I do to protect our patients’ PHI?
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Securing information from improper disclosure also includes

◦ Sharing PHI with only those that need to know (direct care workers, staff) in a
discreet manner
◦ Refraining from discussing patient visits, conditions, progress, etc. with family,
friends, neighbors, and co-workers that do not have a need to know
Ensuring the disclosure of information reaches the intended
person:

◦
◦
◦
Validating fax numbers prior to faxing PHI
Verification of identity prior to releasing information without the patient present
Requesting verbal authorization from the patient to discuss their health, conditions,
etc. with those that may be present
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◦ Ensuring those that require information for proper treatment, payment or
health care operations have access to the information they need to fulfill
their job obligations
◦ Limiting the access to information to those that do not require access to
perform the obligations of their job
◦ Secure workstations by logging off, using strong passwords and keeping
passwords confidential
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◦ Ensuring the electronic transmission of data is secured in a manner to
protect the integrity of the data. Protecting data integrity may include
using:
 Secure e-mail or
 Organization communication portals that transfer files within or
external to the organization for treatment, payment or operation
purposes
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
Do not share with family, friends, or anyone else a patient’s
name, or any other information that may identify him/her, for
instance:
◦ It would not be a good idea to tell your friend that a
patient came in to be seen after a severe car accident.


Why? Your friend may hear about the car accident on the news
and know the person involved
Do not inform anyone that you know a famous person, or
their family members, were seen at this organization
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

If I am contacted by the media, may I release PHI to them?
If I am contacted by an individual offering to pay me for PHI,
may I release it to them?
◦ No! You may not release PHI under either of these
circumstances. Both are grounds for disciplinary action.
◦ Refer the requestor to the Privacy Officer.
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
I need to transport paper records/PHI to another department. Is this okay?
◦
Yes, you may transport documents to another department.
◦
Secure so you don’t drop them:

Carry them close to your person.

Carry them in a facility designated bag, box, or container.

Ensure no names are visible.

Ensure no records are left unattended.
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

When necessary to transport PHI externally:
◦ Place in a locked briefcase, closed container, sealed, self-addressed
interoffice envelope;
◦ Place PHI in the trunk of your vehicle, if available, or on the floor
behind the front seat;
◦ Lock vehicles when PHI is left unattended
[Include if this applies to your organization]: You may not transport
patient charts between departments or offsite unless authorized by the
Director of Health Information Management.
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
Send all PHI in sealed Inter-Office envelopes
◦
◦
◦
◦
Verify all PHI was removed from the envelope before
stuffing it
Address to correct individual and department
Mark the envelope “confidential”
Confirm you are sending correct PHI
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

Turn over/cover PHI when
you leave your desk/cubicle
so others cannot read it.
◦
If you have an office,
you have the option of
closing your door
instead.
Turn over/cover PHI when a
coworker approaches you to
discuss something other than
that PHI.
• Don’t leave documents
containing PHI unattended in
fax machines, printers, or
copiers.
• Check your fax machine
frequently so documents are not
left on the machine.
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
How should I dispose of confidential paper?
◦
Shred or place all confidential paper in the designated
confidential paper bins.

How should I dispose of electronic media (floppy disk, CD,
USB Drive, etc.)?
◦
Provide electronic media to the IS Department for proper
disposal
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How can I help protect our facilities?
◦
◦
◦
◦
Wear your ID Badge at all times (helps identify you as an
[Organization] employee/provider).
Only let employees enter through employee entrances with you.
Keep hallway doors that lead to patient care areas closed.
Request vendors and contracted individuals to sign-in and
obtain Vendor ID Badges when visiting a restricted area.
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
Restricted areas are those areas within our facilities where PHI
and/or organizationally sensitive information is stored or
utilized
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
Receptionist stations
Business office windows
HIM Department
Patient care hallways/treatment areas
Offices
Storage closets and cabinets
Accounting, Human Resources, Administration Offices, IS
Department, etc.
◦ Employee meeting/rooms/kitchens in the departments
◦ Areas containing potential safety hazards (ex. medical imaging, lab,
nuclear medicine, etc.
If you see someone in a restricted area not wearing a badge, kindly ask “May I help you?” Then escort the individual out of the
restricted area and to the area he/she is visiting.
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Section XI
Business Associate Agreements
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
If you initiate negotiations to contract with a company to perform, or assist
in the performance of a function or activity involving the use or disclosure
of PHI, please contact the [Organization Privacy Officer] to obtain a
Business Associate Agreement (BAA).

Examples of when to obtain a BAA with a company include:
◦ Claims processing or administration, data analysis, processing or
administration, utilization review, quality assurance, billing, benefit
management, practice management, and repricing; and
◦ Legal, actuarial, accounting, consulting, data aggregation, management,
administrative, accreditation, or financial services.
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


Companies that “maintain” PHI on behalf of a Covered Entity
(CE)
◦ Data storage company
Patient safety organizations
Companies that transmit PHI to a Covered Entity
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
Business Associates Also Include:
◦ Personal Health Record vendors
◦ Subcontractors to Business Associates that create, receive, maintain
or transmit PHI on behalf of the Business Associate.
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




Limit uses and disclosures of PHI to minimum necessary
Enter into a BAA with their subcontractors
Comply with the BAA and the same HIPAA; administrative, physical and
technical safeguard rules as covered entities (CEs)
Report to CE Breach of Unsecured PHI
Comply with Privacy Rule to extent it must carry out a CE’s obligation
under Privacy Rule
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
When initiating a contract with a company to perform work for
[organization] which will not have direct access to PHI, request a
Confidentiality Agreement be signed and forwarded to the [Organization
Privacy Officer].
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HIPAA Violations and Complaints



Remember, it is your responsibility, as a [Organization] employee or
provider, to comply with all privacy and security laws, regulations,
and [Organization’s] policies pertaining to them.
Employees and providers suspected of violating a privacy or security
law, regulation, or [Organization] policy are provided reasonable
opportunity to explain their actions.
Violations of any law, regulation, and/or [Organization] policy will
result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination,
according to [Organization] HR Policy #.
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

Three types of violations:
◦ Incidental
◦ Accidental
◦ Intentional
Insert [Organization’s] policy regarding types of
violations and levels disciplinary action provided.
How much is enough?
How much is too much?
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

If reasonable steps are taken to safeguard a patient’s information and a visitor
happens to overhear or see PHI that you are using, you will not be liable for
that disclosure.
Incidental disclosures are going to happen (even in the best of
circumstances).
An incidental disclosure is not a privacy incident and does not require documentation
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
Mistakes happen. If you mistakenly disclose PHI or
provide confidential information to an unauthorized
person or if you breach the security of confidential data,
you must
◦ Acknowledge the mistake and notify your supervisor and the Privacy
Officer immediately.
◦ Learn from the error and help revise procedures (when necessary) to
prevent it from happening again.
◦ Assist in correcting the error only as requested by your leader or the
Privacy Officer. Don’t cover up or try to make it “right” by yourself.
Accidental disclosures are privacy incidents and must be reported to your Privacy Officer immediately!
Documentation of Accidental Disclosures is required.
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
If you ignore the rules and carelessly or deliberately use or
disclose protected health or confidential information, you can
expect:
◦ Disciplinary action, up to and including termination
◦ Civil and/or criminal charges

Examples of Intentional Violations of Privacy Include:
◦ Accessing PHI for purposes other than assigned job responsibilities
◦ Attempting to learn or use another person’s access information
If you’re not sure about a use or disclosure, check with your Supervisor or the Privacy Officer
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
If you are aware or suspicious of an accidental or
intentional HIPAA violation, it is your responsibility to
report it.
◦ [Organization] may not intimidate, threaten, coerce,
discriminate against, or take other retaliatory action
against anyone who in good faith reports a violation
(whistleblowing).
◦ Refer to the [HIPAA Intranet page] for more examples
of what to report.
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So they can be investigated, managed, and documented
So they can be prevented from happening again in the future
So damages can be kept to a minimum
To minimize your personal risk
In some instances, management may have to notify affected parties
of lost, stolen, or compromised data
Incidental disclosures need not be reported, but if you’re not sure, report them anyway
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We Must Respond to Privacy and Security Complaints
All Privacy Complaints Must Be Reported
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Directly to your Supervisor, who in turn reports it to the
[Organization’s] Privacy Officer
Call or email the Privacy Officer
Complete a HIPAA Incident Report form (#) which is
located [on the HIPAA Intranet page]
Email the internal “HIPAA Hotline” email group

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◦

Note: this is not anonymous as the sender will be known
Leave a message on the HIPAA Hotline [insert #]
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

Same as for Privacy Violations, except instead of
reporting to the Privacy Officer, report to the
[Organization’s] HIPAA Security Officer
You may also call or email the [Organization’s]
Technical Security Officer, Information Services Help
Desk, or Director of Information Services
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Want More Information About HIPAA Privacy and Security?
Check out our website at www.hipaacow.com
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Not sure which way to go?

Contact your
Privacy Officer at:
(phone)
(pager)
(email)

Contact your
Security Officer at:
(phone)
(pager)
(email)
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Discussion Slides

Your daughter’s school just called. She has a fever and
you need to pick her up immediately. You know she’ll
need to see her pediatrician (who just happens to work
down the hall) so you access her medical record to
schedule an appointment quick before another patient
gets the available time slot. Is this access permissible?
Does it make a difference if your daughter has a different last name than you?
The audit trail report wouldn’t show an obvious inappropriate access….right?
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You’re a Lab Technician. You just processed a
positive blood alcohol test for a patient you later
learned was your neighbor’s soon-to-be exhusband. This information will be very useful in
court to strengthen her case for full custody of
the kids. Can you disclose the information to
your neighbor?
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
Your co-worker, Joan, hasn’t been at work the last 3 days and
you’re starting to get worried about her. You consider her a friend
and conclude she’d be hurt if you don’t call her. You don’t have
her phone number. But it’s in the electronic medical record! You
wait until your supervisor goes to lunch, log on and look up Joan’s
phone number. Is this ok?
Consider This: While looking up her phone number you notice she has a
diagnosis of breast cancer on her problem list.
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
You’re a RN at the downtown clinic. This morning you saw 6-year
old, Allison for a strep test. On the way home from work you you
stop at Woodman’s for a few things. Walking through the Frozen
Foods, you run into Allison’s mom, Sherry.
“I’m so glad I ran into you! Did you get the strep results yet? It would be
great if I knew now so I could pick up the prescription tonight, get her started
on the antibiotics and back to school sooner”. Can you disclose to Allison’s
mom?
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
You’re a CMA at the downtown clinic. You recently started dating the
spouse of one of clinic patients and it’s gotten pretty serious. He has a
teenage daughter being seen for mental health treatment at your west clinic
and his wife comes in regularly to your clinic (she’s probably a
hypochondriac) but you’re not usually the nurse for these visits. You’re very
interested in tracking what’s going on with mom and daughter, not because
you want to do anything with the information, you’re just plain curious. You
have a routine now to look at their medical records every Tuesday at noon
when your supervisor is in a meeting. Is this a good idea?
Consider This: What if you are actually the nurse taking vital signs when his wife
comes in so you have a legitimate right to access her record. Except you’re looking
at it any time you want—you’ll never get caught since you do have a “legitimate”
right to access.
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
Mr. Albertson is on the phone. He states his wife was in the
clinic yesterday for lab testing and he wants you to tell him
the results of the urinalysis immediately. You explain that
his wife has individual privacy rights and such information
can be disclosed only to her. You suggest he talk directly to
her. He is very angry! “I have a right to know since I pay
the bills. I’m going to report you for a HIPAA violation.”
Should you cave and tell him?
Consider This: Upon review of Mrs. Albertson’s record, you see a signed authorization permitting the
clinic to exchange PHI with Mr. Albertson regarding her care and treatment. Does this change your
response?
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
The OB Department is crazy busy this morning. As a nurse you’re running from
one crisis to another. Around 11:00 am you finally get a breather and leave for a
cup of coffee. While you’re usually diligent about securing your computer when
you walk away, this time you were so distracted you forgot. Your computer is
logged on to two patient records, one of whom is the wife of the hospital
administrator who had a miscarriage. When you return from break, a receptionist
is sitting at your desk intently reading the screen.

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Will you confront her?
Self-report the incident to the Privacy Officer?
Ignore her and walk away until she leaves.
Make a deal with her, you won’t tell if she doesn’t
Consider This: Who is subject to disciplinary action in this case? You? The receptionist or both of you?
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
You are a coder at ABC Memorial Hospital. You’re reviewing a
complex case for documentation to support a higher level of
service. It’s a priority as part of the Coding Team to ethically
make this determination and a commitment you take seriously.
You’re going to have to conduct a detailed review of the
medical record. This is time consuming and it becomes evident
that you’re seeing a lot of confidential information unnecessary
for the proper code assignment. Have you violated the
minimum necessary policy?
Consider This: The patient is also an employee at the hospital, someone with whom you’ve had a
few disagreements and about whom you have engaged in gossip. You know better than to share this
information with anyone but a week later she confronts you about a work problem and you
accidentally say “Too bad, you probably just forgot to take your Prozac this morning.”
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That screen saver with the bubbles? I love it and I
want it!
Maroon 5’s newest song is amazing---I could
listen to it all day long!
I’m a gamer addicted to “Wild Robots of the World
V2.” There’s no reason I can’t load it onto my work
computer so I can play during breaks and lunch.
My sister’s wedding last weekend was just gorgeous and the pictures prove it. I was able
to load all the pictures from the ceremony and the reception on my work computer.
One’s even my home screen. So, my computer crashed when I was loading them. I
booted and now they seem just fine.
Consider This: I spend most of my life sitting in front of this computer. The least they can do is let
me do stuff to enjoy it!
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As your employer, we appreciate that you want to personalize your workstation. We value your
individuality. It’s one of the things that makes you a great employee!
You can feel free to bring framed pictures of your family and friends, posters and desk
items to create a pleasant work environment.
However, your computer is a different story
•
•
•
•
Loading music, screen savers, game and photos can slow down our systems, including the effectiveness and
quality of medical records and financial data
Unapproved tools such as software, downloads, CDs, or flash drives may damage or increase likelihood of
unauthorized events such as hacking, viruses and Trojan Horses
Just as you don’t want another department to come into your office and start changing things around, the
Information Services Department doesn’t want you to compromise the things they do to keep electronic
systems effective and safe
Organizational policy is clear. You may not add such tools without written permission from the Information
Services Department
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

Assuming the auto lock would activate soon, the nurse did not lock
her computer when she left the patient in an exam room. While
waiting, the patient got bored with the old magazines in the room
and looked at her electronic record. Not only did the patient see her
prescription for Prozac and diagnosis of depression, but she also
read her psychotherapy notes.
Discussion points:
◦
◦
◦
◦
What is [Organization Name]’s policy on locking computers?
Why are psychotherapy notes included in this patient’s EMR?
What is [Organization Name]’s policy on workforce members accessing
sensitive information?
What is [Organization Name]’s policy for patients to request copies of their
records?
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

Katie, a billing department employee, saw her son’s girlfriend,
Allison, in the hospital. Katie was concerned that Allison was ok so
she looked at Allison’s medical record. Katie was upset when she
saw that Allison was diagnosed with a heart murmur. Katie texted
her son this information. When Katie got home, she learned that
Allison read Katie’s text message and had already called the
hospital to file a privacy complaint.
Discussion points:
◦
◦
◦
◦
Does it matter that Katie meant well?
What is [Organization Name]’s policy for accessing medical records?
What is [Organization Name]’s policy for role-based access control?
What is [Organization Name]’s policy for snooping discipline?
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Some Facts:
 Emerging electronic technology impacting privacy and security is
a reality
 It’s getter smarter and smarter & faster and faster
 It’s not just desktops and laptops—today we have tablets, iPads,
iPhones, Androids, remote monitoring of health conditions, HIE’s,
eVisits, Work-at-Home, Apps, GPS, and cameras recording us
shopping, driving, walking, banking, and grocery shopping
Privacy & Security Professionals Must Keep the Pace:
 Stay tuned in, ensure understanding and be heard!
 Anticipate how privacy and security protections must
change to accommodate technology
 How will audit trails work?
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Refer to the HIPAA COW website for additional
privacy, security, and EDI reference materials
http://hipaacow.org/home/home.aspx
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Version History
Current Version: 4/8/15
Prepared by:
Primary Author:
• Barbara J. Zabawa, JD, MPH,
The Center for Health Law
Equity, LLC
Contributing Authors:
• Karin Butikofer, Athletico
Physical Therapy
• Julie Coleman, Group Health
Cooperative of South Central
Wisconsin
• Chris Duprey, Caris
Innovation
• Cathy Hansen, RHIA, Director,
Health Information Services &
Privacy Officer, St. Croix
Regional Medical Center
• Teresa Hernandez, HSHS
• Mary Koehler, IT Security
Regulatory Coordinator,
ProHealth Care Information
Technology
• Meghan O’Connor, von
Briesen & Roper, S.C.
• Kathy Schleis, Bellin Health
System
Reviewed by:
HIPAA COW Privacy &
Security Networking
Groups
Content Changed:
This document was
updated to reflect changes
required by the HITECH Act
from 2009 and the
subsequent rules that went
into effect in 2013, as well
as to reorganize and
refresh the slides.
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Version History (Cont’d.)
Original Version: 3/31/09
Prepared by:
Primary Author:

Holly Schlenvogt, MSH, ProHealth Care Medical
Associates, Privacy Officer
Contributing Authors:

Cami Beaulieu, Red Cedar Medical Center, ROI
Supervisor and Privacy Assistant

Jane Duerst Reid, RHIA, Clear Medical Solutions, HIM
Consultant

Linda Huenink, MS, RHIA, Wk Co. Dept. of Health &
Human Services, Records Supervisor

Carla Jones, Senior Staff Attorney/Privacy Officer,
Marshfield Clinic Legal Service

Kathy Johnson, Privacy & Compliance Officer,
Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services

Melissa Meier, ProHealth Care Medical Associates,
Corporate Compliance Coordinator

Kim Pemble, Executive Director, WI Health
Information Exchange (WHIE)

LaVonne Smith, Information Services Director,
Tomah Memorial Hospital
Reviewed by:
HIPAA COW Privacy &
Security Networking
Groups
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