Guideline 3: Keep Protected Health Information (PHI) secure.
Keeping protected health information (PHI) secure means protecting it from being viewed by people who should not see it.
Examples of how to keep PHI secure:
- If PHI is in a place where patients or others can see it, cover or move it
- If you work with PHI on your desk or on a computer, make sure no one can walk up behind you without knowing it
- When PHI is not in use, store it in a locking office or a locking file cabinet
- Remove documents from faxes and copiers as soon as you can
- Do not talk about patients where others can hear you or in public areas
- Close your office door when talking to patients
- Do not take files or documents PHI out of the office or clinic
- Shred PHI when documents or files are no longer needed
- When PHI is stored on a computer or storage device, use passwords, anti-virus software, data backups, and encryption
What do you think?
Video: Can you spot the HIPAA violations?
Let’s Review: Ethics and the Law
Now you know about some important ethical and legal issues in healthcare. Patient rights and responsibilities help protect patients and healthcare workers. They also give a way for patients to address problems with their healthcare and encourage patients to take an active role in their health.
You also know that one of your responsibilities is to keep patient information private and secure. Protecting patient information is very important. If you are ever unsure about how to handle patient information, ask your supervisor.