1.
What is PHI?
Correct Answer
A. Protected Health Information, as defined under the DHHS Privacy Regulations, which requires individually identifiable health information to be protected.
Explanation
The correct answer is Protected Health Information (PHI). PHI is a term defined under the DHHS Privacy Regulations and refers to individually identifiable health information that must be protected. This information is typically related to a person's medical history, treatment, and payment records. It is important for covered entities, such as employers, to safeguard this information to ensure privacy and compliance with regulations.
2.
What is the maximum criminal penalty that you could be subject to if you violate HIPAA?
Correct Answer
A. 10 years in prison and $250,000 in monetary fines.
Explanation
The maximum criminal penalty for violating HIPAA is 10 years in prison and $250,000 in monetary fines. This penalty is severe and reflects the seriousness of breaching patient privacy and security regulations. It serves as a deterrent to ensure that individuals and organizations handle protected health information with the utmost care and adhere to HIPAA guidelines.
3.
HIPAA requires me to take immediate action, such as intervening and reporting to the proper authority, if I suspect or detect:
Correct Answer
D. All of the above.
Explanation
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a legislation that ensures the protection of patient's sensitive health information. The given statement implies that if there is a suspicion or detection of any violation of HIPAA regulations, a violation of employee's protocol protecting PHI, or a breach of patient confidentiality, immediate action must be taken. This includes intervening in the situation and reporting it to the appropriate authority. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above" as all the mentioned scenarios require immediate action to ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations and protect patient privacy.
4.
What are my obligations to my employer in regard to HIPAA?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above.
Explanation
The correct answer is "All of the above." This means that an individual's obligations to their employer in regard to HIPAA include complying with HIPAA law and regulations, complying with their employer's security rules, regulations, and policies, as well as reporting any violations of HIPAA and their employer's security requirements.
5.
HIPAA means that we can ignore other federal and state laws protecting health information.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) does not mean that we can ignore other federal and state laws protecting health information. In fact, HIPAA works in conjunction with these laws to ensure the privacy and security of health information. It sets national standards for the protection of sensitive patient data and provides individuals with certain rights regarding their health information. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that HIPAA allows us to disregard other laws protecting health information.
6.
Because of my rights of privacy, I do not have to worry about my employer auditing my computer for HIPAA compliance purposes.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement is false because HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) requires healthcare organizations to ensure the privacy and security of patient health information. As an employee, you are responsible for complying with HIPAA regulations and your employer has the right to audit your computer to ensure compliance. Therefore, you cannot rely on privacy rights to exempt yourself from employer audits for HIPAA compliance purposes.
7.
If a co-worker breaches HIPAA and I detect it, there is no way I will get in trouble if I do not report it.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
False. As an employee, it is your responsibility to report any breaches of HIPAA that you become aware of. Failure to report a breach can result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment. It is important to prioritize patient privacy and security by promptly reporting any violations to the appropriate authorities.
8.
In some cases, NO/AIDS Task Force protocols and procedures may be more strict that HIPAA regulations. In these cases, I can ignore NO/AIDS Task Force protocols and procedures and only follow HIPAA regulations.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement is false because if NO/AIDS Task Force protocols and procedures are more strict than HIPAA regulations, it is not permissible to ignore them and only follow HIPAA regulations. In such cases, one must adhere to the stricter protocols and procedures set by the NO/AIDS Task Force.
9.
Which of the following must I be familiar with?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
The correct answer is "All of the above." This means that to be familiar with all three options mentioned - Health Information Disaster Plan, Emergency Mode Operation Plan, and NO AIDS Breach Reporting Protocol - is necessary.
10.
Once I leave my job, I can talk about patients' / clients' PHI as much as I want.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
False. Once you leave your job, you are still bound by the rules of patient/client confidentiality. Sharing patients'/clients' Protected Health Information (PHI) without their consent is a violation of their privacy rights and is against the law. It is important to uphold confidentiality even after leaving a job to maintain trust and respect for individuals' privacy.
11.
If I report a violation of my employer's policy intended to protect PHI in good faith, I will not face retaliation.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
If an individual reports a violation of their employer's policy intended to protect Protected Health Information (PHI) in good faith, it means they are reporting the violation with genuine intentions and without any malicious intent. In such cases, it is generally expected that the individual will not face any form of retaliation from their employer for reporting the violation. This is to encourage employees to come forward and report any breaches or violations of PHI protection policies without fear of repercussions.
12.
Which of the following actions could my employer take in the event of a breach of its policies and procedures that did not actually result in a breach of confidentiality?
Correct Answer(s)
A. Fire the offender.
B. Take disciplinary action short of firing the offender, such as suspension.
C. Report the matter to any relevant disciplinary authority and cooperate in any investigation.
E. Discuss the violation at the next training session to prevent its happening again.
Explanation
The employer could take any of the mentioned actions in the event of a breach of its policies and procedures that did not result in a breach of confidentiality. This includes firing the offender, taking disciplinary action such as suspension, reporting the matter to relevant disciplinary authority and cooperating in any investigation, and discussing the violation at the next training session to prevent its happening again.
13.
If you don't understand a HIPAA policy or procedure, you should
Correct Answer
B. Ask your supervisor or other competent person.
Explanation
If you don't understand a HIPAA policy or procedure, it is important to seek clarification from someone who is knowledgeable and competent in the subject matter. Asking your supervisor or another competent person ensures that you receive accurate information and guidance, reducing the risk of making mistakes or violating HIPAA regulations. This approach promotes compliance and ensures that you are properly following the policies and procedures in place to protect patient privacy and security.
14.
At NO / AIDS Task Force, all suspected HIPAA breaches should first be reported for investigation to which of the following
Correct Answer
B. Your immediate supervisor and the NO/AIDS Task Force Security Officer (Health Information Manager)
Explanation
At NO/AIDS Task Force, suspected HIPAA breaches should first be reported to the immediate supervisor and the NO/AIDS Task Force Security Officer (Health Information Manager). This ensures that the incident is reported to the appropriate authorities within the organization who are responsible for handling and investigating such breaches. By involving both the immediate supervisor and the Security Officer, the organization can ensure a prompt and thorough investigation of the breach, allowing appropriate actions to be taken to address the issue and prevent future breaches.
15.
Because of HIPAA and the "need to know" rule, I must restrict my information access to only the information I am authorized to access.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because of the HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations. HIPAA ensures the privacy and security of patients' health information. The "need to know" rule means that individuals should only have access to the information they require to perform their job duties. This restriction helps to prevent unauthorized access and protect patients' confidentiality. Therefore, it is essential for individuals to limit their information access to only the authorized information.
16.
The minimum necessary rule limits the amount of information a clinician or provider may obtain during a patient/client intake visit.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement is false because the minimum necessary rule actually limits the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI) to only the minimum amount necessary to accomplish the intended purpose. It does not limit the amount of information a clinician or provider may obtain during a patient/client intake visit.
17.
It is allowable to send an email containing only a patient's UIN (Unique Identifying Number) through unencrypted email.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Sending an email containing only a patient's UIN through unencrypted email is not allowable. Unencrypted email is not secure and can be easily intercepted, potentially exposing sensitive patient information. It is important to use secure methods of communication, such as encrypted email or secure messaging platforms, to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of patient data.
18.
I have been trained on HIPAA, the HIPAA Security Rule, and my emploer's HIPAA policies and procedures and will learn the contents of each policy that applies to me and will comply with HIPAA, the Security Rule, and my employer's policies and procedures. I understand that I am required to complete the NO/AIDS Task Force annual HIPAA annual I further understand that I may face disciplianry action if I do not.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The given statement indicates that the individual has received training on HIPAA, the HIPAA Security Rule, and their employer's HIPAA policies and procedures. They also acknowledge the importance of learning the contents of each policy and complying with HIPAA, the Security Rule, and their employer's policies and procedures. Additionally, they understand that completing the NO/AIDS Task Force annual HIPAA training is mandatory and failure to do so may result in disciplinary action. Therefore, the statement is true.
19.
Check all of the following which would support Security Measures for protecting electronic PHI.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Encryption of electronic information
B. Firewalls
C. Installed Antivirus software
E. Automatic two-minute screen lock
Explanation
The correct answer is a combination of security measures that can protect electronic PHI (Protected Health Information). Encryption of electronic information ensures that the data is encoded and can only be accessed with the proper decryption key. Firewalls act as a barrier between internal and external networks, preventing unauthorized access. Installed antivirus software helps detect and remove malicious software that could compromise the security of PHI. Automatic two-minute screen lock is a security measure that ensures that if a device is left unattended, it will lock itself after a certain period of inactivity, preventing unauthorized access. Sharing individual passwords is not a security measure and can lead to unauthorized access.
20.
HIPAA regulations state that I can use my personal computer for necessary work involving PHI for work related purposes; however, NO/AIDS Task Force protocols and procedures state that I may not use my personal computer for these purposes.
Therefore, which of the following stements are true:
Correct Answer
C. I may not use my personal computer for work related purposes involving pHI at NO/AIDS Task Force.
Explanation
The answer is "I may not use my personal computer for work related purposes involving PHI at NO/AIDS Task Force." This is because the HIPAA regulations allow the use of personal computers for necessary work involving PHI, but the protocols and procedures of NO/AIDS Task Force specifically state that personal computers cannot be used for these purposes.
21.
What is HIPAA?
Correct Answer
D. Both B & C
Explanation
The correct answer is "Both B & C". HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, a Public Law. This law was passed by Congress to give the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services the authority to regulate the privacy and security of patient information. Therefore, both options B and C are correct explanations of what HIPAA is.