Things That All Employees Must Learn During HIPAA Privacy Training

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, 1996

HIPAA is a law that governs healthcare establishments to lay high emphasis on

protection of health records of patients. The law, established in 1996 under United

States law, ensures that all medical records and related data of patients undergoing

any form of treatment in any affiliated health organization in the country must be

protected. This also includes agencies that may not be involved in the treatment of

patients, but have access to the medical records, otherwise known as Protected

Health Information (PHI).

HIPAA mandates that healthcare professionals and associate staff must receive

proper HIPAA privacy training. This covers physicians, psychologists, researchers,

dentists, nurses, opticians, insurance specialists, human resources officers, and all

other staff that has access to the health data, either complete or partial.

Protected Health Information

The protected health information of a patient is the information that can be used in

any way to determine the identity of a patient, or his or her past, present or future

status. The PHI also includes a patient’s name, address, phone number, social

security number, etc. The information can be written, verbal or electronic.

On what grounds can the information be disclosed?

HIPAA allows disclosure of patient information under four circumstances-

1) If the information is required for medical treatment and care of the patient

2) If the information is required to deduce the cost of treatment and for processing

of payment

3) If the information is required for operational needs such as education and

reviews

4) If the information is required and asked for by the patient

The PHI can also be released or disclosed, either in full or in parts to any third

person or entity if the patient has given his or her due authorization. The patient

has the right to refuse the disclosure of the PHI to any third party.

Why HIPAA Privacy Training is necessary?

It is important for healthcare employees to receive adequate HIPAA privacy training

so that they are aware of the penalties that can be levied, either on them or on

their organization, if there is any breach in securing the protected health

information of patients. Violation of HIPAA guidelines is a federal crime and carries

fines that range from $100 per offense to $25,000 in a year. If someone is found

guilty of intentionally disclosing or obtaining PHI, then the person is liable for a 1

year prison sentence and a fine of $50,000.

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