Accessing Documentation While on Break

[Newgurl17]

Stupid question, but I'll ask anyway: Is it ever appropriate to access documentation or document while on break?

I work at a long term care facility where as long as I have internet connection, I also have access to resident's health records. Some nurses like to stay in the nurse's office while they are on break. At my facility, the staff lounge is quite far away from the nurse's office. Has anyone ever done documentation while on break or know anyone who has done this?

[Newgurl17, CNA, LPN]

Does this raise a concern? The fact that residents information can be easily accessed with whatever device that has wifi? At my work, we have a guest wifi account but the only way we can access resident information is if we have accounts. Because I have my own account, I can easily access resident's information from my own cellphone. Should the login site be blocked from the facility's guest wifi account and staff lounges?

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

Does this raise a concern? The fact that residents information can be easily accessed with whatever device that has wifi? At my work, we have a guest wifi account but the only way we can access resident information is if we have accounts. Because I have my own account, I can easily access resident's information from my own cellphone. Should the login site be blocked from the facility's guest wifi account and staff lounges?

No, nein, anya, nyet, non.... never ever access PHI on a device not issued by the employer! Actually I'm shocked that your compliance person allows that.

As far as "charting on break," actually you haven't taken a break. If you choose to skip your *bona fide meal break*, you by law you must be paid for it. That's not my opinion, it's per the DOL. True most managers don't like OT, but it's OT either way. The difference is, for an 0700-1530 shift, 30 min OT is occurring at 1230-1300 vs 1530-1600.