1.
Which of the following is NOT a best practice for privacy and security?
Correct Answer
C. Documents containing pHI do not need to be shredded
Explanation
It is not a best practice for privacy and security to not shred documents containing PHI (Protected Health Information). Shredding documents that contain sensitive information helps to prevent unauthorized access and protects individuals' privacy. It ensures that the information cannot be easily reconstructed or used maliciously. Therefore, it is important to shred documents containing PHI to maintain privacy and security.
2.
You always abide by the HIPAA privacy rule.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement "You always abide by the HIPAA privacy rule" is incorrect. It is not possible for someone to always abide by the HIPAA privacy rule as it requires continuous effort and adherence to the regulations set forth by HIPAA. Compliance with HIPAA is an ongoing process that involves regular training, updates, and implementation of privacy measures. Therefore, the correct answer is False.
3.
PHI stands for Private Health Information.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
PHI stands for Protected Health Information, not Private Health Information. Protected Health Information refers to any information about a person's health status, medical conditions, treatment, or payment for healthcare services that can be linked to an individual. It is important to protect PHI to ensure patient privacy and comply with HIPAA regulations. Therefore, the correct answer is False.
4.
Clients need to receive a copy of the Notice of Privacy Practices.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Clients need to receive a copy of the Notice of Privacy Practices because it is a legal requirement under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The Notice of Privacy Practices outlines how an organization handles protected health information, including how it is used, disclosed, and protected. By providing clients with a copy of this notice, they are informed about their privacy rights and can make informed decisions about their healthcare.
5.
Confidentiality means that data is not to be made available to unauthorized persons.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Confidentiality refers to the practice of keeping sensitive information private and secure, ensuring that it is only accessible to authorized individuals. This principle ensures that data is not disclosed or shared with unauthorized persons, protecting it from potential misuse or unauthorized access. Therefore, the statement "Confidentiality means that data is not to be made available to unauthorized persons" is true as it accurately reflects the concept of confidentiality.
6.
How many major concepts are associated with the privacy rule?
Correct Answer
B. Two
Explanation
The correct answer is Two. The privacy rule is associated with two major concepts. These concepts include the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI) and the individual's rights regarding their PHI. The rule outlines how PHI can be used and disclosed by covered entities, as well as the rights of individuals to access, amend, and request restrictions on the use of their PHI. By understanding these two concepts, organizations can ensure compliance with the privacy rule and protect individuals' privacy rights.
7.
Which of the following information is generally considered confidential?
Correct Answer
E. All of the Above
Explanation
All of the information listed - demographics, diagnosis, billing information, and dates of service - is generally considered confidential. Demographics such as age, gender, and address can be used to identify individuals. Diagnosis and medical conditions are sensitive personal information that should be kept private. Billing information includes financial details that should be protected. Dates of service can reveal when and where a person received medical treatment, which is also considered confidential. Therefore, all of the above options are generally considered confidential information.
8.
A person's phone number is not considered PHI because it can be located in an online or paper telephone directory.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
A person's phone number is considered PHI (Protected Health Information) because it is a unique identifier that can be used to identify an individual's health information. Even though phone numbers may be publicly available in telephone directories, when they are linked to an individual's health information, they are protected under HIPAA regulations. Therefore, the statement that a person's phone number is not considered PHI is false.
9.
If you see other staff violating privacy policies, you should
Correct Answer
D. Both answer B & C
Explanation
If you see other staff violating privacy policies, it is important to take action rather than ignoring it. Giving them a helpful, gentle reminder can be a good approach to address the issue informally and remind them of the importance of privacy policies. However, if the violation continues or is more serious, it is necessary to report the problems and violations to the appropriate authorities or supervisors. Therefore, the correct answer is both B and C, as both options involve taking action to address and report privacy policy violations.
10.
You work in the billing department of your agency, and while processing claims, you notice the name of someone you know. Since you are curious, you decide to investigate, and you pull their medical record and read it. Is this appropriate?
Correct Answer
B. No
Explanation
No, it is not appropriate to investigate and read someone's medical record without a legitimate reason or proper authorization. Accessing someone's medical information without their consent is a violation of their privacy rights and breaches confidentiality. In this scenario, the individual's personal connection does not justify the intrusion into their medical records. It is important to respect and uphold patient confidentiality and only access medical records for legitimate and authorized purposes.
11.
You receive a call from staff at a local hospital stating that they need information regarding a former client of yours who is scheduled for surgery. They fax you a release of information form that only authorizes the release of medications, but the person on the phone is asking for dates of treatment and diagnoses. How would you respond?
Correct Answer
B. Release information regarding medications only
Explanation
The correct answer is to release information regarding medications only. The release of information form specifically authorizes the release of medications, not dates of treatment and diagnoses. Therefore, it is important to adhere to the limitations outlined in the form and only provide the requested information.
12.
Results of tests/procedures can be made available to the client's family if the client is unable to communicate well.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement is false because the results of tests/procedures cannot be made available to the client's family solely based on the client's inability to communicate well. The release of medical information is governed by strict privacy laws and regulations, such as HIPAA in the United States. In order to share medical information with the client's family, proper consent or legal authorization is required, regardless of the client's communication abilities.
13.
Each state has the same laws, rules, and/or regulations governing the confidentiality of health care information.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement is false because each state has its own laws, rules, and regulations regarding the confidentiality of health care information. These laws can vary from state to state, so it is not accurate to say that all states have the same regulations in place.
14.
The Federal Regulations on Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records is one example of
Correct Answer
C. Preemption
Explanation
The Federal Regulations on Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records is an example of preemption. Preemption refers to a situation where a federal law takes precedence over state or local laws on the same subject matter. In this case, the federal regulations on confidentiality of patient records preempt any conflicting state or local laws, ensuring uniformity and consistency in the protection of patient confidentiality across the country.
15.
It is NOT important to read and understand your agency's Notice of Privacy Practices.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The correct answer is False. It is important to read and understand your agency's Notice of Privacy Practices. This document outlines how your personal information will be used, stored, and shared by the agency. It also informs you of your rights regarding your personal data. By reading and understanding this notice, you can make informed decisions about your privacy and take necessary steps to protect your personal information.
16.
Each healthcare provider MUST have a document that describes how information about the client is used by the agency and when the agency will disclose/release it without the client's authorization.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Each healthcare provider is required to have a document that outlines how client information is used and when it can be disclosed without the client's authorization. This document is important for ensuring transparency and protecting the privacy of clients. It helps to establish clear guidelines and protocols for the handling of sensitive information, ensuring that it is only shared when necessary and in accordance with legal and ethical standards. By having this document in place, healthcare providers can demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding client confidentiality and maintaining trust in the healthcare system.
17.
If a state or federal law or regulation grants the client greater access to their PHI, then it will preempt HIPAA.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
If a state or federal law or regulation grants the client greater access to their Protected Health Information (PHI), it means that the client has more rights and privileges regarding their health information than what is provided by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). In this case, the state or federal law will take precedence over HIPAA, making the statement true. This implies that if a client's access rights are expanded by a law or regulation, HIPAA regulations will not restrict or limit their access to their PHI.
18.
Substance abuse regulations do not allow disclosure with a subpoena unless a court has issued an order following a show cause hearing.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Substance abuse regulations typically prioritize the confidentiality of individuals seeking treatment for substance abuse. As a result, disclosing information related to substance abuse with a subpoena is generally not allowed unless a court has issued an order after a show cause hearing. This ensures that the individual's privacy rights are protected and that any disclosure is done in a legally appropriate manner. Therefore, the statement is true.
19.
A release of information must include which of the following?
Correct Answer
E. All of the above.
Explanation
A release of information must include all of the above because it is necessary to include the client's name to identify who the information is being released for. A description of the information to be disclosed is important to specify what exactly is being released. An expiration date is necessary to establish a time limit for the release of information. Lastly, a description of the purpose of disclosure is important to provide clarity on why the information is being released.
20.
Privacy and security include which of the following best practices?
Correct Answer
E. None of the above
Explanation
The given correct answer is "None of the above." This is because all of the options listed in the question are examples of poor privacy and security practices. Talking about consumers in public areas or where you can be overheard, sharing your computer password with someone who does not have their own, and including PHI (Protected Health Information) in an unencrypted email via a public system all pose risks to privacy and security. Keeping computer screens out of sight of others is a good practice, but it is not listed as an option in the question.