Confidentiality Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.

Administrative Safeguards include the policies, and procedures that your facility uses to manage and protect ePHI. Although there are probably many such policies and procedures at your institution, a few examples might include: Active review and audits of IS activity. Employee confidentiality agreements. Employee security clearance policies and procedures. Employee disciplinary policies. Data backup and disaster recovery plans

Examples of administrative safeguards include:Policies and proceduresStaff training programsAuditing and monitoring compliance with policies and proceduresEmployee confidentiality agreements

Informed consent must be obtained first before a HIV antigen or antibody test can be ordered.Informed consent must be preceded by: Explanation of the test subject's right of confidentiality. Notification that a positive HIV test result will be reported to county health department with enough information to possibly identify the test subject. Availability and location of sites where anonymous testing is performedInformed consent can be given by a legal guardian or other person authorized by law when the test subject is: not competent incapacitated a minor

Each laboratory that performs a test indicative of HIV or AIDS shall report to the county health department in less than 2 weeks.To assure the confidentiality of the patient, reporting of HIV infection and AIDS must be conducted using a system developed by CDC or equivalent system.Each person who violates reporting rules may be fined $500 per offense.

All employees have a responsibility to maintain the confidentiality of medical information. Medical information should never be discussed outside of the laboratory. It should only be discussed with the ordering doctor or an authorized representative of the doctor. Employees should verify the identity of the individual requesting such information Employees who communicate with patients, physicians or their office staff, insurance company representatives or government employees about any laboratory activity should only give information they know to be true and accurate. Employees should never give false information and should never guess the answer to any question. In case of doubt, refer the person to a supervisor.

All employees have a responsibility to maintain the confidentiality of medical information. Medical information should never be discussed outside of the laboratory. Do not leave test orders or test results in areas where they can be viewed by patients. Do not discuss test results or any patient information in areas where patients can overhear the conversation. Be careful not to discuss confidential information on the telephone where patients can overhear the conversation. Employees should verify the identity of an individual requesting patient information.

Your supervisor will refer you for an immediate evaluation and any necessary treatment. Confidentiality will be maintained.Your blood will be tested only with your consent.

Phlebotomists are ethically and legally required to keep patient information confidential. Reveal patient information including medical history and results only to authorized individuals as defined by your laboratory’s policies & procedures. Do not discuss test results with patients without a written order from the ordering physician.