Create a 1-page fact sheet that your healthcare organization could hypothetically use to explain the health or nursing informatics policy/regulation you selected.

NURS 6051 – Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through Technology | NURS 6051 – Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through Technology | Walden University

Health/Nursing Informatics Fact Sheet

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Policy/Regulation

Explanation: HIPAA was established in 1996 to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system while protecting patients’ privacy and personal health information. It ensures healthcare providers, organizations, and individuals protect confidentiality, availability, and integrity of patients’ personal health data.

HIPAA Compliance requires that healthcare organizations implement measures to ensure data privacy and security. This regulation requires technical, physical and administrative safeguards including encryption, staff training, access controls and risk assessments. In the event of non-compliance, severe penalties can be imposed, including hefty fines and legal actions, as well as reputational damage.

HIPAA’s Impact on Workflow, Clinical Care and Patient/Provider interactions: HIPAA provides protection for patient confidentiality and rights, which leads to an increase in patient satisfaction and trust. HIPAA can have a negative impact on clinical care, provider-patient interactions and workflow, including the sharing of information about patients between providers.

Organisational Policies and Procedures Our healthcare organization implemented various policies to comply with HIPAA regulations. They include staff training every year, risk assessments on a regular basis, electronic health records encrypted, and controls for access. Our privacy officer is responsible for ensuring compliance with the law and handling any breaches. Upon registration, patients are made aware of their privacy rights and receive a Privacy Notice.

References:

1. American Medical Association (2020). HIPAA for Physicians: A Primer https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/2019-06/hipaa-primer-for-physicians.pdf
2. HealthIT.gov. (n.d.). HIPAA for Professionals https://www.healthit.gov/topic/privacy-security/hipaa-professionals
3. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2020). HIPAA Privacy Rule Summary (2020). https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/laws-regulations/index.html