Policy Guidelines and Laws in Nursing Informatics

Summary

This video discusses various federal and state laws that govern nursing informatics and healthcare data security. It highlights key regulations such as the Privacy Act of 1974, HIPAA, HITECH, and the Affordable Care Act, among others. These laws ensure the protection of patient privacy, regulate healthcare data use, and promote ethical practices in healthcare delivery. The video also emphasizes the importance of institutional review boards, accreditation bodies, and confidentiality agreements in maintaining patient trust and data security within healthcare systems. Viewers are guided through the intricacies of each law and its role in safeguarding sensitive health information.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understanding federal and state legislation is crucial in nursing informatics to ensure the security of patient health information.
• 😀 The Privacy Act of 1974 protects individuals' personal data collected by federal agencies and provides rights to access, amend, and prevent misuse of that data.
• 😀 Confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patient records is ensured by a specific law that protects patient identity, diagnosis, and treatment in federally assisted programs.
• 😀 Healthcare organizations must implement strong internal security policies to safeguard patient information, with breaches addressed quickly and effectively.
• 😀 Medicare law mandates that all protected health information (PHI) must be kept confidential and secure, requiring patient consent before information is shared.
• 😀 Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are crucial for protecting patient data and ensuring privacy in research, promoting effective communication between physicians and patients.
• 😀 The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations ensures that hospitals and healthcare facilities meet quality and safety standards, which includes protecting patient confidentiality.
• 😀 The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act strengthens privacy rules, expands penalties for breaches, and requires notifications for unauthorized disclosures.
• 😀 The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guarantees privacy for protected health information and ensures patients can access their health records.
• 😀 The Affordable Care Act (ACA) made healthcare coverage more accessible, expanding Medicaid and offering tax credits to make health insurance more affordable for previously uninsured individuals.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the Privacy Act of 1974?

The Privacy Act of 1974 regulates information collected by federal agencies, ensuring citizens can access, verify, and request changes to their records. It also provides protection against unauthorized use or disclosure of personal data.

How does the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Confidentiality rule protect patient information?

The rule ensures that patient information related to alcohol and drug abuse treatment in federally assisted programs remains confidential. It prohibits the release of such sensitive data without patient consent, protecting patient privacy.

Why is a corporate security plan crucial for healthcare organizations?

A corporate security plan is essential to ensure the safety of personal health information, maintain confidentiality, and ensure compliance with relevant laws. It helps prevent unauthorized access and breaches, ensuring data integrity and patient trust.

What does HIPAA stand for and what is its main goal?

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Its main goal is to protect the privacy and security of health information while ensuring that healthcare providers can share necessary data for quality care.

What are some of the provisions of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act?

The HITECH Act strengthens HIPAA by expanding penalties for data breaches, requiring notifications for unauthorized disclosures, and ensuring business associates comply with privacy rules. It also mandates audit trails for electronic health record disclosures.

What role do Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) play in healthcare?

Institutional Review Boards ensure the ethical treatment of patients in research. They require informed consent, maintain data privacy, and protect both individual patients and public interests in research studies.

What is the function of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations?

The Joint Commission accredits healthcare facilities, ensuring they meet safety and quality standards. It plays a critical role in monitoring healthcare practices to ensure patient care quality and confidentiality are upheld.

How does the Affordable Care Act (ACA) impact health insurance?

The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, aims to make healthcare coverage more accessible and affordable by providing subsidies, expanding Medicaid, and ensuring that more people have access to health insurance.

What is the goal of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA)?

MACRA aims to improve healthcare quality by ensuring fair compensation for physicians, controlling Medicare Part B costs, and rewarding practices that enhance patient health while reducing costs.

How does the 21st Century Cures Act benefit healthcare and medical research?

The 21st Century Cures Act accelerates the development of medical products, supports research and innovation, and streamlines the approval process for new drugs and medical devices, ultimately enhancing patient care and advancing medical technology.