1.
What kind of personally identifiable health information is protected by HIPAA privacy rule?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
The correct answer is "All of the above." The HIPAA privacy rule protects all forms of personally identifiable health information, including paper records, electronic records, and information communicated verbally. This means that any information that can be used to identify an individual's health condition, treatment, or payment for healthcare services is protected under HIPAA.
2.
HIPAA security and privacy regulations apply to:
Correct Answer
D. Anyone working in the facility
Explanation
HIPAA security and privacy regulations apply to anyone working in the facility because these regulations are designed to protect the privacy and security of patients' health information. This includes not only staff members who have direct patient contact, but also health information managers, information systems staff, ancillary personnel, attending physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. All individuals who have access to patient information or are involved in the handling of such information must adhere to HIPAA regulations to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the data.
3.
It would be appropriate to release patient information to:
Correct Answer
A. The respiratory therapy personnel doing an ordered procedure
Explanation
The respiratory therapy personnel doing an ordered procedure would need access to the patient's information in order to provide appropriate care. They have a legitimate reason to access the information as it is directly related to their job duties. The patient's physician brother, a retired physician who is a friend of the family, and personnel from the hospital the patient transferred from 2 days ago do not have a direct need for the patient's information and therefore it would not be appropriate to release it to them.
4.
If you suspect someone is violating the facility’s privacy policy, you should:
Correct Answer
C. Report your suspicions to your clinical instructor for further follow-up
Explanation
If you suspect someone is violating the facility's privacy policy, it is important to report your suspicions to your clinical instructor for further follow-up. This is the correct answer because privacy violations can have serious consequences and it is necessary to address them appropriately. Your clinical instructor is responsible for overseeing the facility and ensuring that policies are followed, so they are the appropriate person to inform about your suspicions. They can then take the necessary steps to investigate the situation and take appropriate action if needed.
5.
A visitor who asks for a patient by name may receive the following information EXCEPT:
Correct Answer
D. Patient diagnosis
Explanation
A visitor who asks for a patient by name may receive information about the patient's name, room number, and general condition. However, the visitor would not be provided with the patient's diagnosis. The diagnosis is a specific medical term that describes the patient's illness or condition, and it is typically not disclosed to visitors unless authorized by the patient or their legal representative.
6.
Which of the following is the appropriate person with whom to share patient information even if the patient has NOT specifically authorized the release of information to the individual?
Correct Answer
C. A colleague who needs information about the patient to provide proper care
Explanation
A colleague who needs information about the patient to provide proper care is the appropriate person to share patient information with, even if the patient has not specifically authorized the release of information. This is because the colleague has a legitimate need for the information in order to provide proper care to the patient. It is important to prioritize the patient's well-being and ensure that they receive the necessary care, which may require sharing relevant information with trusted colleagues. Sharing patient information with a former physician, a friend of the patient, or a pharmaceutical salesman without proper authorization would not be appropriate or in the best interest of the patient.
7.
What is the standard for accessing patient information?
Correct Answer
D. A need to know for the performance of your job
Explanation
The correct answer is "A need to know for the performance of your job." This means that accessing patient information should only be done if it is necessary for carrying out one's job responsibilities. Being a relative of the patient or simply being curious are not valid reasons for accessing patient information. Similarly, disclosing patient information to a physician without a legitimate reason is also not appropriate. The standard for accessing patient information is based on the principle of maintaining confidentiality and privacy, and it should only be accessed when there is a legitimate need for it in order to provide proper care or perform job duties.
8.
Confidential information must not be shared with another unless the recipient has:
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
This answer is correct because all three conditions mentioned - the need to know, an OK from a doctor, and permission from Human Resources - must be met in order to share confidential information with another person. Each condition ensures that the recipient is authorized and has a legitimate reason to access the confidential information.
9.
Which of the following are some common features designed to protect confidentiality of health information contained in patient medical records?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
Passwords to access computerized records, locks on medical records rooms, and rules that prohibit employees from looking at records unless they have a need to know are all common features designed to protect the confidentiality of health information contained in patient medical records. These measures ensure that only authorized individuals can access the records, and that access is restricted to those who have a legitimate reason to view the information. By implementing these security measures, the risk of unauthorized access and disclosure of sensitive patient information is minimized.
10.
You are working elsewhere in the hospital when you hear that a neighbor has just arrived in the ER for treatment after a car crash. You should:
Correct Answer
B. Tell the charge nurse in the ER that you know how to reach the patient’s spouse and offer the information if it’s needed.
Explanation
In this scenario, the correct answer is to inform the charge nurse in the ER that you know how to reach the patient's spouse and offer the information if it's needed. This is the appropriate course of action because it allows the healthcare professionals in the ER to have the necessary information in case the patient's spouse needs to be contacted. It ensures that the patient's family can be informed and involved in the care process, which is important for their emotional support and decision-making.
11.
When is the patient’s written authorization to release information required?
Correct Answer
A. In most cases, when patient information is going to be shared with anyone for reasons other that treatment, payment or health care operations
12.
You are approached by an individual who tells you that he is here to work on the computers and wants you to open a door for him or point the way to a workstation. How do you respond to this request?
Correct Answer
B. Ask him who at the hospital has hired him and refer him to that person for assistance
Explanation
The correct answer is to ask him who at the hospital has hired him and refer him to that person for assistance. This response ensures that the individual's claim of being hired is verified and that proper authorization is obtained before granting access or providing information. It helps maintain security and prevents unauthorized individuals from gaining access to sensitive areas or information.
13.
Confidentiality and privacy are important concepts in healthcare because:
Correct Answer
B. They allow patients to fell comfortable sharing information with their doctors
Explanation
Confidentiality and privacy are important concepts in healthcare because they allow patients to feel comfortable sharing information with their doctors. When patients know that their personal information will be kept confidential, they are more likely to openly discuss their medical history, symptoms, and concerns. This enables doctors to make accurate diagnoses and provide appropriate treatment. Additionally, confidentiality and privacy prevent the distribution of patient information by unauthorized individuals, ensuring that only the physician has access to sensitive medical data.
14.
If a person has the ability to access facility of company systems or applications, they have a right to view any information contained in that system or application.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
This statement is false because having the ability to access company systems or applications does not automatically grant a person the right to view any information contained in those systems or applications. Access to sensitive or confidential information is typically restricted to authorized individuals who have a legitimate need to know. Access rights are usually granted based on job roles, responsibilities, and security clearances.
15.
Copies of patient information may be disposed of in any garbage can in the facility.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Patient information is considered sensitive and confidential, and therefore should not be disposed of in any regular garbage can in the facility. It should be disposed of in a secure manner, such as through shredding or using designated bins for confidential waste. This is to ensure that patient privacy is protected and to comply with data protection regulations.
16.
Protected health information is anything that connects a patient to his or her health information.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Protected health information (PHI) refers to any information that can be used to identify an individual and is related to their health condition or healthcare services received. This includes personal identifiers such as names, addresses, social security numbers, as well as medical records, test results, and any other information that can be linked to a patient's health. Therefore, it is accurate to say that protected health information is anything that connects a patient to his or her health information.
17.
Confidentiality protections cover not just a patient’s health-related information, such as his or her diagnosis, but also other identifying information such as social security number and telephone numbers.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Confidentiality protections extend beyond a patient's health-related information, such as their diagnosis, to include other identifying details like social security numbers and telephone numbers. This means that healthcare providers and organizations are responsible for safeguarding not only medical data but also personal information that could potentially be used for identity theft or other malicious purposes.
18.
The criminal penalties for improperly disclosing patient health information can be as high as fines of $250,000 and prison sentences of up to 10 years.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because there are strict laws and regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), that protect the privacy and security of patient health information. Improperly disclosing this information can result in severe penalties, including hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences, in order to deter individuals from violating these laws and compromising patient confidentiality.
19.
Patients have a right to access their health information.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Patients have a right to access their health information because it is essential for them to have full knowledge and understanding of their medical history, diagnoses, treatments, and test results. Access to health information allows patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, seek second opinions, and actively participate in their own treatment plans. It also enables patients to share their health information with other healthcare providers, ensuring continuity of care. This right to access health information is protected by laws and regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), to maintain patient privacy and confidentiality.
20.
You can access your own medical record via the computer system.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement suggests that individuals have the ability to access their own medical record through a computer system. This implies that there is a computerized system in place that allows patients to view their medical records. Therefore, the correct answer is True.