Essay About Healthcare Provider And Health Care Provider

Medical Security
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Application Assignment 04 2
Not having worked in the health care profession before it was rather tedious to compose a
list of guidelines for a safe work environment for patients to help limit the number of
liability suits. With so many areas of liability in the health care industry I focused my
guidelines on the rising use of computers and online communications.
The legal rules, ethical guidelines and professional etiquette that govern and guide
safety and communications between the health care provider and patient are equally
applicable to email, websites, and other electronic services and communications. The
technology of online communications introduces special concerns and risks for patient
and health care provider.
1. Confidentiality. The healthcare provider is responsible for taking reasonable
steps to protect patient’s privacy and to guard against unauthorized access to and /or use
patient healthcare information. This also extends to the network services required by
HIPAA.
Privacy and Security. Online communications between healthcare provider and
patients should be conducted on a secure network line, with provisions for privacy and
security in accordance with HIPAA.
Authentication. Healthcare providers have the responsibility for taking steps
to authenticate the identity of correspondent(s) in electronic communication and to
ensure that recipients of information are authorized to receive it.
Application Assignment 04 3
2. Unauthorized Access to Computers. This can compromise patient
information by giving access to anyone using that terminal. Practices should established
and followed to guard against unauthorized access to computers with technology such as
automatic log-out and password protection.
3. Information Consent. Before to the initiation of online communication
between the healthcare provider and patient, informed consent should be obtained from
the patient regarding the appropriate use and limitations of this type of communications.
the healthcare provider should develop and adhere to specific written guidelines for
online communications with patients.
4. Pre-Existing Patient Relationship. The healthcare provider may increase their
liability by initiating a healthcare provider/patient relationship online. Also, payment for
healthcare services my further increase liability exposure. Online communication may
best be suited for patients previously seen and evaluated in the office setting.
5. Licensing Jurisdiction. The online communication between the healthcare
provider and patient are subject to state licensures. The communication with a patient
outside the state for which the healthcare provider is not licensed, may increase the for
higher liability.
Application Assignment 04 4
6. Sensitive Subject Matter. The healthcare provider should advise the patient
of the risk that information the patient may consider sensitive may be inadvertently
accessed by someone not authorized to view it. The healthcare provider should seek
the patient’s approval prior to doing any electronic transfer of any medical information
pertaining to the patient.
7. Patient Education/Care