PSY/HIPAA Questions

[18Medic]

Hello all. I am working on a paper for an ethics class. Right now I am looking for commentary about HIPAA and psychiatric nursing- not anything comprehensive. But enough to help me add substance to the paper.

When I put some of my questions to a PNP, she pretty much blasted me. So I'll say in advance, I have no supposition's and am not trying to be a smartypants. I'm just having trouble coming up with ethical questions concerning HIPAA and mental health in general.

What is the most difficult compliance issue with HIPAA as it relates to -- specialty?

Does it hinder patient treatment at all?

What are the greatest benefits of HIPAA besides peace of mind for patient and family?

Here's one of the questions that got me in hot water: Concerning the obligation to obtain informed consent, do you ever see, from a therapeutic or diagnostic standpoint that providing or withholding the amount of information required by law is detrimental to the well being of the client?

I understand if no one wants to get into this. Thought I'd try it out since is doesn't cost much. :nuke:

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

I find the most difficult thing about compliance is that you can't tell family members/friends anything unless the patient says you can. There's a loophole to it, but it's a big red tape matter. I often feel sad for those who care for the patient, who can't be told a thing! They are really left out in the cold.

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

Concerning informed consent...I think it is difficult to provide informed consent to a psychiatric patient who is confused. One never knows if they really understand what you're telling them. Therefore, is there really informed consent?