1.
What kind of personally identifiable health information is protected by HIPAA privacy rule?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
The HIPAA privacy rule protects all kinds of personally identifiable health information, including information in paper format, electronic format, and even information shared through spoken conversations. This means that any information that can be used to identify an individual's health condition or treatment is safeguarded under HIPAA, regardless of the medium in which it is stored or communicated.
2.
HIPAA stands for
Correct Answer
C. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
Explanation
HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This act was enacted in 1996 and is a federal law in the United States that aims to protect the privacy and security of individuals' health information. It also provides regulations for the electronic exchange of health information. The act includes provisions that ensure the portability of health insurance coverage for individuals when they change jobs or lose their jobs. Additionally, it establishes standards for the electronic transmission of health information, including safeguards to protect against unauthorized access or disclosure.
3.
HIPAA requires best practices in these three areas:
Correct Answer(s)
A. Administrative
C. Technical security
D. pHysical security
Explanation
HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, sets standards for protecting sensitive patient health information. It requires best practices in administrative, technical security, and physical security. Administrative practices involve policies and procedures to manage the security of patient information. Technical security includes measures like encryption and firewalls to safeguard electronic data. Physical security involves protecting physical assets like servers and computers that store patient information. By addressing these three areas, organizations can ensure the privacy and security of patient data, complying with HIPAA regulations.
4.
Healthcare providers must follow HIPAA rules, whereas health insurance companies are not responsible for protecting patient information.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Healthcare providers are indeed required to follow HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) rules, which include strict guidelines for protecting patient information. On the other hand, health insurance companies are also responsible for safeguarding patient data under the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act. Therefore, the statement that health insurance companies are not responsible for protecting patient information is incorrect.
5.
If you suspect someone is violating the facility’s privacy policy, you should:
Correct Answer
C. Report your suspicions to your clinical supervisor 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 supervisor for further follow-up. This is the correct answer because as an employee, it is your responsibility to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of patients' information. By reporting your suspicions, you are taking the appropriate action to address the potential violation and allow for further investigation or intervention if necessary. Ignoring the situation or trying to gather evidence on your own could potentially compromise the privacy and confidentiality of the individuals involved.
6.
HIPAA security and privacy regulations apply to:
Correct Answer
C. Anyone working in the facility.
Explanation
HIPAA security and privacy regulations apply to anyone working in the facility. This means that not only healthcare professionals like attending physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are bound by HIPAA regulations, but also health information managers, information systems staff, and other ancillary personnel. The regulations are not limited to only staff that have direct patient contact, but extend to all individuals who work in the facility and have access to protected health information.
7.
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. 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 specific information may be restricted based on an individual's role, level of authorization, and the company's data access policies. Access rights are typically granted on a need-to-know basis to ensure data privacy and security.
8.
Copies of patient information may be disposed of in any garbage can in the facility.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement is false because copies of patient information should not be disposed of in any garbage can in the facility. Patient information contains sensitive and confidential data that must be handled and disposed of properly to protect patient privacy and comply with healthcare regulations. Proper disposal methods may include shredding, incineration, or secure electronic disposal.
9.
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 in place to protect patient health information, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. These laws enforce severe penalties for anyone who improperly discloses patient health information, including fines of up to $250,000 and prison sentences of up to 10 years. This is done to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of patient data and to deter individuals from engaging in unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information.
10.
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, healthcare services received, or payment for healthcare services. This includes personal identifiers such as name, address, social security number, as well as medical records, test results, and other health-related information. Therefore, it is correct to say that anything connecting a patient to their health information falls under the category of PHI.
11.
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 and also include other identifying details like social security numbers and telephone numbers. This means that healthcare providers are obligated to keep all of this information private and secure.
12.
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
The correct answer is "all of the above." This means that all of the listed options (locks on medical records rooms, passwords to access computerized records, and rules that prohibit employees from looking at records unless they have a need to know) are common features designed to protect the confidentiality of health information contained in patient medical records. These measures aim to restrict unauthorized access and ensure that only authorized individuals can view and handle sensitive patient information, thus safeguarding patient privacy and maintaining confidentiality.
13.
Confidential information must not be shared with another unless the recipient has:
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
The correct answer is "all of the above" because confidential information should only be shared with another individual if they have received permission from a manager, have a legitimate need to know the information, or have obtained the necessary authorization from the appropriate authority in the office. This ensures that confidential information is only disclosed to individuals who are authorized and have a legitimate reason to access it, maintaining its confidentiality and protecting it from unauthorized disclosure.
14.
What is the standard for accessing patient information?
Correct Answer
A. A need to know for the performance of your job.
Explanation
The standard for accessing patient information is based on the need to know for the performance of your job. This means that healthcare professionals are only allowed to access patient information if it is necessary for them to carry out their specific job duties and responsibilities. Accessing patient information out of curiosity or because of personal reasons, such as being a relative of the patient, is not considered appropriate or in line with privacy regulations.
15.
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 facility has hired him and refer him to that person for assistance.
Explanation
The correct answer is to ask him who at the facility has hired him and refer him to that person for assistance. This response ensures that the individual's request is legitimate and that he has been authorized to access the computers or workstations. By referring him to the person who hired him, you can verify his identity and intentions, ensuring the security and safety of the facility.