Hippa

TazziRN, RN · Jul 29, 2006

Since we are not giving identifying information, we are not violating HIPAA.

Kidrn911 · Jul 29, 2006

That is what I say, but I was threatened with it with something else posted somewhere else on the internet, I was told I was wrong.

So I am curious, is that really the case? Are we really breaking confidentiality laws?

SlavicNurse · Jul 29, 2006

That is what I say, but I was threatened with it with something else posted somewhere else on the internet, I was told I was wrong.
So I am curious, is that really the case? Are we really breaking confidentiality laws?

No. I haven't seen any HIPAA violations here.

debbyed · Jul 29, 2006

Just be general in the information you give. There is no need for times, places or names. If it is easier to use name, make them up. John Doe always works

weirdRN, RN · Jul 29, 2006

Speaking of Hippa,

Three nurses talking. All three have worked for the same LTC facility at some point. One of them has a relative in the nursing home.

Nurse A asks nurse B, "how is resident A?"

Nurse B looks sad and says," Resident A died yesterday."

Nurse C says, " Are you sure? That is my relative!"

Nurse B says that she was told in report that patient has been sent unresponsive to the hospital and had died and that she could be confused but she didn't think so.

Nurse C calls her mom and asks her mom. The mom says resident A is still living but in a coma.

Lesson: Don't talk about your patients, even among collegues, you never know to whom they are related.

As long as you are generic here, you should be fine.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Jul 29, 2006

No personal information has been given, no violation!

TazziRN, RN · Jul 29, 2006

That is what I say, but I was threatened with it with something else posted somewhere else on the internet, I was told I was wrong.
So I am curious, is that really the case? Are we really breaking confidentiality laws?

We can say anything as long as someone else cannot identify who we're talking about. We don't use names or room numbers or hospital names, we just talk about what was wrong with the pt.

In the Nurse A-Nurse B example that was given, that was a clear HIPAA violation because a certain pt was being discussed and both nurses knew who the pt was.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Aug 1, 2006

Please don't put URLs of other sites in your posts. You may include the site in your PROFILE if it is your home page.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Aug 2, 2006

There have been cases here where what people have said has come back to bite them in the butt. I don't think it was HIPPA violations, but enough info for someone to figure it out and tattle on them about some work related talk.

I think we walk a fine line "I took care of a patient with a Hbg of 2.2 and the stupid doctor did nothing". If someone can figure out who you are, then they can figure out who the patient and the doctor are and cause trouble if they are vindictive enough to do so.

Anonymity in our posts and with who we are is very important on a forum that's read by thousands of non-members.

volsfan · Sep 20, 2006

Just wondering your thoughts. I am having a hard time coming up with a good polite response to the questions from friends and neighbors about my work. For instance, this weekend someone asked about my patient's diagnosis/condition and who it was that I worked with. They already knew I took a patient to school b/c I live in a very small town and a neighbor had told them I was a nurse that took a girl to school. They don't know who the patient is, but were very pushy in asking about diagnosis'. I didn't give any information, but it was an uncomfortable situation for me. Any ideas on how you have responded to people's questions? Would it have been okay to tell her my patient's first name since all she would have to do is come to the school to see who I am with, or no? I am sure this situation will happen again in the future and I want to make sure I am cautious and polite, while maintaining my patient's confidentiality. :rolleyes:

stillpressingon · Sep 20, 2006

I've had similar situations. What I've told people is simply, "I'm not permitted to give you any info b/c of pt confidentiality." Yes, people have been offended by it, but it's the truth - I try to say it as gently as possible, but sometimes people still feel offended. Part of the hazards of the job!