2. What are the ways that patient confidentiality is most often violated?
1. PHI is faxed or emailed to the wrong recipient. Always confirm address/fax number.
2. Print or electronic patient information is visible or accessible by visitors or unauthorized individuals.
3. Records are accessed for improper reasons.
Have I violated the Privacy Regulations if my conversation with a patient, a medical student, or nurse is overheard?
Not necessarily. HIPAA permits certain incidental uses and disclosures of PHI that occur as a by-product of a use or disclosure otherwise permitted under the Privacy Rule. However, you still must reasonably safeguard Protected Health Information, such as by talking in quiet tones and not sharing more PHI than is necessary.
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