Example Of Research Paper On Hippa And Mandated Reporters

Meaning of HIPPA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996
A Summary of the major Goal of the Privacy Rule
The major goal of the privacy rule is to ensure the protection of individual’s health care information while allowing a proper movement of information required in promoting and providing high quality health care services.

HIPPA Security Rule and Its Importance

The HIPPA Security rules guides the use and exposure of patients’ health information through a set of standards. The importance of this rule is based on the fact that it ensures security of health information, proper flow and provision of high quality health services.

Covered Entity

Covered entities are organizations subject to the privacy rule.
Persons Covered under Privacy Rule
The Privacy rule covers; health plans, any health care service providers who transmits health data through the use of electronic channels as well as health care clearing houses.

Protected Health Information and Individually Identifiable Health Information

Protected Health Information (PHI) or individually identifiable health information entails demographic health information such as: Medical History of a patient or an individual i.e. past health information, current and anticipated future health information; health service provision i.e. provision of health services to the patient and financial aspects of health services offered to the patient i.e. past payments, current and future payments.

Major Purpose of the Privacy Rule

The major purpose of the Privacy Rule is to ensure efficient health service provision, through an appropriate use of patients’ health information.

The Use of Protected Health Information by a Covered Entity

A covered entity is allowed to disclose or use protected health information when: It is meant to serve public interest and activities as indicated by the Privacy rule. Additionally, covered entities are allowed to use or disclose Protected Health Information when an individual is incapacitated and the use of such information has been associated with the best interest of the individual. Consequently, covered entities may use PHI after seeking the consent of the individual. Covered entities are also allowed to use or disclose PHI for purposes of their own treatment.

Meaning of TPO

TPO stands for Treatment, Payment and Healthcare Operations
Situations where a Covered Entity may Disclose PHI without a Patient’s Consent
Covered entities may disclose PHI without a patient’s consent when the patient is incapacitated during an emergency. They are also allowed to disclose PHI when serving public interest as indicated in the 12 public functions indicated in HIPPA. Consequently, incidental disclosures do not create a necessity for seeking permission/consent of the patient.

Private Practice Notice

In this stipulation of the HIPPA Act, covered entities with certain exceptions are required to provide notice of their privacy. Such notices indicate how covered entities may disclose of utilize PHI.

Repercussions for Violating Patients’ Health Information

Violating the confidentiality of a patient’s health information may lead to imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to $ 50,000. False pretense may lead to a fine of $250,000 and imprisonment of up to 10 years.

Mandated Reporter

Mandated reporters are individuals or entities that have regular and constant contact with vulnerable people or the patients. Mandated reporters may be investigative journalists and researchers.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a set of policies that guides and restricts the use and access of certain types of information.
Consequences of Health Care Workers if they Release PHI without their Consent
This is a violation of the confidentiality of the patient’s health information that would lead to a one year imprisonment and a fine of $ 50,000.

Reference

(n.d.). Retrieved February 4, 2015, from http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/summary/privacysummary.pdf