HIPAA for CNAs?

[DanainOrlando]

I just got my CNA license and am now working for an agency. Does anyone have any recommendations as to an affordable online HIPAA class?

I have NO HIPAA training and I'm totally paranoid about accidentally saying something I shouldn't. I understand the general concepts behind HIPAA, but I need more specific information. With this nursing agency - I am an independent contractor working for the client.

I know that I am not to reveal any information about the patients' medical condition - or their names - to anyone other than a nurse or doctor who is directly responsible for their care - although in my case, I'm not working under the direction of a nurse or doctor, so that's a moot point at the moment. I assume if I had to call 911 I could tell them all pertinent information? (i.e., I have a wheelchair bound patient who just lost consciousness, and they have such-and-such medical conditions, allergies, they're taking whatever medication, etc.)

What do I do with the information about clients that the agency emails to me when they assign me a new client? Erase it from my email inbox once I get the patient's name and address? What do I do when my friends ask me what kind of patients I'm working with? (Can I say, I'm taking care of a wheelchair bound patient, if I don't reveal their name or any more details? And no, at the moment I'm not taking care of a wheelchair bound patient - just throwing it out there as an example.)

Anyway - I'd love a recommendation for an online HIPAA class, or a book, that clarifies what I can and can not say, and to whom.

[Otessa, BSN, RN]

Your agency should have a confidentiality/HIPAA training program. Odd that they would not to protect you and them.

otessa

[itsmejuli]

I'm surprised your staffing agency didn't have you sign a HIPAA form when you joined up. If you call them they should supply you with HIPAA info.

Here is the gov HIPAA website, look here and you'll find all the info you need.

http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/

[Da_Milk_of_Amnesia, MSN]

You want advice? Keep your mouth shut and don't talk about patients in elevators or to anyone who is not assuming care of 'your' patients. Follow that and you should be ok for the most part.

[DanainOrlando]

You want advice? Keep your mouth shut and don't talk about patients in elevators or to anyone who is not assuming care of 'your' patients. Follow that and you should be ok for the most part.

That's generally what I assumed. I'd just love some specific guidelines. The government website is a good starting point. Not that I'd run around blabbing about my patients' private, personal info anyway, but I would love an actual training program.

[DanainOrlando]

Your agency should have a confidentiality/HIPAA training program. Odd that they would not to protect you and them.

otessa

You would think, wouldn't you?

[systoly]

In reference to emails:

You can password protect sensitive files. Personally, I prefer the pdf format which allows you to set different passwords for viewing and printing. Encryption is another, easy option. There are a ton of free utilities available which simplify and,or automate this process.

Caveat: As with any "free" software, do your research to make sure it's clean.