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Ethical & Legal Issues. MODULE FIVE:. Objectives:. Students will: Understand privacy, confidentiality and ethics as they relate to being a volunteer. Understand when it is acceptable to breach confidentiality. Understand the basic concepts of HIPAA. Ethical Responsibility:.
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Ethical & Legal Issues MODULE FIVE:
Objectives: Students will: • Understand privacy, confidentiality and ethics as they relate to being a volunteer. • Understand when it is acceptable to breach confidentiality. • Understand the basic concepts of HIPAA
Ethical Responsibility: • Being respectful of the cultural, social and ethnic differences in people. • Maintaining professionalism when interacting with clients and staff • Providing fair and equal treatment for all
Legal responsibilities: Abide by the laws: • Privacy and confidentiality • Policies of the volunteer organization
Exceptions to the rules of confidentiality: If you see or know about: • Child abuse • Drugs use • Someone in danger of hurting themselves or others • Matters of life, death or injury • Go to a supervisor and/or a YHSC staff member immediately. They have the experience and authority to handle the situation.
What is HIPAA? Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (1996) • Provides privacy laws regarding your health and medical information. • In 2003, the Privacy Rule, gave individuals rights over their health information and set rules and limits on who could look at and receive personal health information. • HIPAA gives you the right to see your own medical information, correct inaccurate information, limit the communication of your records, and act against violations.
What does this mean for you? • You cannot discuss anything you learn or see about clients, residents, and/or patients in a healthcare facility • You cannot look or read any patients’ medical records and files • You can discuss information in a reflection session, with your YHSC Coordinator and/or without using identifying information
When should I ask for help? • If you are concerned about your own safety. • 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 something just does not feel right. • ANYTIME!
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.