"Sorry, no patient by that name here"

LauraF, RN, ASN, CNA, LPN, RN · Apr 19, 2003

I appreciate the new laws. I understand the need for them. But, some of them are just a bit over the line. I'm trying to get my handicapped daughter into the special ed preschool in my district. I filled out the consent, stating who I wanted to have access to her medical file and why. The hospital received it on 4/03, stamped it received on 4/07 and then would not release paperwork for a meeting on 4/11. If I had not been able to get things done the way the hospital said they wanted them within a matter of hours, my daughter would not have been able to get into preschool. I looked at the hospitals form, it said nothing that the other form didn't. Besides this stuff was not suppose to take affect until 4/15. I understand the need for the hippa stuff, but I don't understand the need for seperate and duplicate paperwork. Or the delay. Sorry just venting a bit. Have had a frustrating week. :(

RainbowzLPN, LPN · Apr 19, 2003

We were talking about this last night @ dinner, actually. It wasn't uncommon for someone to look in the computer to see if a pt was on another floor (if the visitors were told the wrong one). Now, it's complicated, asking who the people are, & if they aren't someone the pt wants info given to..... many visitors don't understand this. I'm impressed that the whole privacy issue has been given public attention: commercials & stuff. Hoping it gets easier to deal with!

LaurieCRNP2002, MSN, RN, APRN · Apr 20, 2003

While I agree that patient privacy needs to be protected, I can't help thinking that the people who write the laws (that is, our congressmen and Senators) don't usually have a clue about the impact of their actions, and that some of the provisions they insert into various bills can make it difficult for those affected by the laws they author. As I said, I agree that patient privacy should be maintained as much as possible. I agree with the suggestions above about having an article in the local paper about how the law applies "in real life" or the recording.

Laurie

Not so newly minted MSN

PJRNC2 · Apr 20, 2003

At our one hospital. flowers can not even be delievered unless the patient has indicated that it is alright (the newspaper did run an infomational peice).

webbiedebbie · Apr 20, 2003

I understand about patients not wanting certain visitors coming to see them and I respect their wishes. But what about doctors offices? I hate having to sign in on a list where other names are written. Can't avoid seeing people waiting in the office to see the docs either. So, I'm confused about this and wonder why this is for hospitals only. Seems to me that visiting a patient in the hospital is now by "invitation only". And what about the pharmacies where you have to sign that you picked up a prescription on a page with other names on it? Isn't that an invasion of privacy?

JohnnyGage · Apr 20, 2003

I agree that the HIPPA is a good idea... but I also think there needs to be some balance. What that balance would be, I don't know. Saw this today on NursToon...

ShortFuse_LPN, LPN · Apr 21, 2003

Originally posted by gizzy76
In the Long Term Care facility where I work, right by the entrance doors there is a list of the rooms and who occupies them. I do not agree with that b/c I think it is an invasion of privacy. Just yesterday a couple where standing by the door reading the list. I asked if they needed some help finding someone and then said, "Oh no, we know where to go. We were just seeing who else is here."
I was speechless. What do you say to that? Considering that every name in the facility is posted right there for anyone to see?

We talked about this in our HIPPA training class. We also have a board with names and room numbers by the front entrance. We were told that families were asked, either on admission or when they signed the paper stating that they had recieved a copy of the law, if they wanted the name and room posted on the board. If they don't want it posted there is just a blank spot there and we are not to tell anyone who is in that room.

susanmary · Apr 21, 2003

Originally posted by PJRNC2
At our one hospital. flowers can not even be delievered unless the patient has indicated that it is alright (the newspaper did run an infomational peice).

Can I have the rejected flowers?

susanmary · Apr 21, 2003

I agree -- patient's are asked confidential questions in admitting --often with other employees/patient's within hearing distance.

What about doctor's who continue to round and/or discuss patient's cases in DOUBLE ROOMS and in the halls. This is possibly one of the worst infractions of patient privacy ... and drives me crazy. What about nurses (we know who we are) who give report at the desk or do walking report -- again infractions of patient privacy. It is not feasible to have a 100% "patient private" facility -- but there is much we can do to improve confidentiality.

Sue

ceecel.dee, MSN, RN · Apr 22, 2003

Love the recording idea with incoming calls!

I'll suggest it, thanks! :kiss

AllieElizAbeth · Apr 23, 2003

JohnnyGage,

LOL @ the cartoon. The nurse must had been a blonde.

You know how you know a blonde been using your computer? the computer screen has white out on it.

ShortFuse_LPN, LPN · Apr 23, 2003

Originally posted by AllieElizAbeth
JohnnyGage,
LOL @ the cartoon. The nurse must had been a blonde.
You know how you know a blonde been using your computer? the computer screen has white out on it.

HEY NOW!! I resemble that remark! :chuckle