HIPAA Test

Please read the following and submit your agreement at the end. Thank you!

What does HIPAA do? Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA)

HIPAA imposes restrictions on the use and disclosure of protected/personal health information. Every patient visiting Ephraim McDowell Health’s facilities for the first time receives a Notice of Privacy Practices.

What is protected health information (PHI)?

PHI is any health information or patient information used or disclosed by a hospital or benefit plan in any form – oral, recorded, on paper or sent electronically, or any personal health information that contains information that connects the patient to the information, such as the person’s name, address, social security or other identification numbers such as phone numbers, physicians’ personal notes or billing information/email address.

What should you do?

Speak quietly when discussing patient information with family members in hallways and waiting rooms. Avoid using patients’ names in the cafeteria, elevators and public areas. Don’t leave records in open areas or computer screens with patient information visible for everyone to view or unattended. Use shredders for all discarded documents containing PHI.

How do we report concerns or problems?

You may contact your immediate supervisor, the House Supervisor, the Corporate Compliance Officer (Margaret Levi) or the Privacy Officer (Shawna Sharpe) by dialing “O”.

Who is The Joint Commission?

The Joint Commission is an organization that sets standards that emphasize organizational quality and safety of care issues and the safety of our environment in which care is provided. Our organization is surveyed or inspected by three surveyors, unannounced, for approximately four to five days, usually every 18 months to three years. During their visit, surveyors trace several patients through our entire system to ensure we are working together to provide safe, quality care.

What is your role?

Everyone is responsible to be “survey ready” by knowing policies and procedures and how they apply to your role. You will be a part of performance improvement activities in your department. Ask your direct supervisor if you have any questions or concerns. Your director will help to keep you informed by posting emails, newsletters and having discussion during department meetings. You may contact the Clinical Effectiveness Department at extension 2349 for any questions. You can also visit/report any concerns to The Joint Commission online at www.jcaho.com. Anyone can report, in good faith, a possible violation of our Corporate Compliance guidelines without retribution or retaliation. Our Hotline number is (866)913-0280 or only at https://www.integrity-helpline.com/emhealth.jsp. This hotline is outsourced to a third party. Calls are not recorded or traced, and you may remain anonymous.

By my electronic signature below (Initials), I am indicating that I have read and understand the HIPAA laws and my responsibilities under them.