MODULE TWO:

1. MODULE TWO: Ethical and Legal Issues

2. Objectives: Students will: • Understand privacy, confidentiality and ethics as they relate to being a volunteer. • Define ethical behavior in the health care setting. • Understand when it is acceptable to breach confidentiality. • Understand the basic concepts of HIPAA.

3. Why are privacy and confidentiality so important? • In many situations, it’s the law. • The people you work with may be dealing with issues that are very personal and sensitive. • Gaining trust is vital to providing services. • Trust can take a long time to build and only a second to destroy.

4. Communication etiquette: • Do not ask too many personal questions. • If you’re out in the community and you meet someone you have served, let them approach you or say hello to you. • Always use non-identifying information when discussing people you have served; that is, don’t use their actual names or other personal information.

5. Ethical behavior is: • Being respectful of the cultural, social and ethnic differences in people. • All professionals have a “code of ethics” they must follow when performing health care activities. • Maintaining professionalism when interacting with clients and staff. • Providing fair and equal treatment for all.

6. Legal responsibilities: You will be expected to: • Learn and abide by the rules of the organization for which you are volunteering. • Maintain confidentiality of clients at all times. When in doubt, ask your supervisor and/or contact a YHSC staff member immediately.

7. Exceptions to the rules of confidentiality: If you see or know about: • A child being abused. • Drugs being used or sold. • Someone planning to hurt themselves or someone else. • Matters of life, death or injury. • Go to your supervisor and/or a YHSC staff member immediately. They have the experience and authority to handle the situation.

8. What is HIPAA? Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act • Developed by the federal government in 1996. • Provides privacy laws regarding patient medical information. • In 2003, new regulations were put into effect that include specific patient rights regarding medical information.

9. What kinds of privacy does the law require? • Patients have a right to see their own medical information and to correct inaccurate information. • Limits are set as to who can see a patient’s medical information. • Patients can limit the ways in which their medical information is communicated. • Patients can file complaints if they believe their rights are being violated.

10. Remember! • You always have resources and support. • You can go to your on-site supervisor. • You can contact the YHSC staff at anytime.

11. How will I know what to keep confidential and private? • You will be provided with information and guidelines from your supervisor at your volunteer sight. • If you do not understand your roles and responsibilities, SPEAK UP!

12. When should I ask for help? • If you are concerned about your own safety. • If you feel you need help. • If you question a rule or a task you are being asked to complete. • If you are asked to sign something that you do not understand. • If you are stressed or unhappy at your site. • If something just does not feel right. • ANYTIME!

13. Summary: • It is okay to breach confidentiality if there is a risk of danger to you or someone else. • HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. • HIPAA provides privacy laws regarding patient medical information and limits who can see a patient’s medical information.