HIPAA Violation?

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Is it a HIPAA violation to endorse narcotic medications by reading it aloud and completely (name of patient, medication & dose, and number of pills) even when patients are around? This is in a LTC setting. Is there a specific policy/law with regards to this?

Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.
I have never seen two nurses verify any oral narcotic in my career. They may come in and tell the patient what they are bringing, but reviewing it step by step? Never once seen it done.

I wasn't suggesting keeping it a secret, but at the same time, if you are using your 5 rights, it shouldn't matter if the patient is awake or in a coma. In a LTC facility, it would be different if it was the first time a patient was receiving the medication, but doing the whole review over and over again? Other than your normal checks, I don't see that it is necessary at all.

I think (?) the point was that you still need to say to the resident "this is oxycodone for your hip pain." The resident does have a right to know what you are giving them.

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I think (?) the point was that you still need to say to the resident "this is oxycodone for your hip pain." The resident does have a right to know what you are giving them.

I'll say it again...I never said that they didn't have a right to know what you are giving them. However. after you explain it to them the first time what the oxycodone is for, if you are practicing the 5 rights, it shouldn't be necessary to go over the same medication over and over again. If it's their only medication for pain, you can say, "Ok Mr. Smith, I have brought you your pain pill." It doesn't need to be announced for everyone to hear at EVERY administration.

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I'll say it again...I never said that they didn't have a right to know what you are giving them. However. after you explain it to them the first time what the oxycodone is for, if you are practicing the 5 rights, it shouldn't be necessary to go over the same medication over and over again. If it's their only medication for pain, you can say, "Ok Mr. Smith, I have brought you your pain pill." It doesn't need to be announced for everyone to hear at EVERY administration.

Agreed.

I will try to explain their different pain pills but it is my job to assess pain and pick the appropriate pill.

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I have never seen two nurses verify any oral narcotic in my career. They may come in and tell the patient what they are bringing, but reviewing it step by step? Never once seen it done.

I wasn't suggesting keeping it a secret, but at the same time, if you are using your 5 rights, it shouldn't matter if the patient is awake or in a coma. In a LTC facility, it would be different if it was the first time a patient was receiving the medication, but doing the whole review over and over again? Other than your normal checks, I don't see that it is necessary at all.

I was thinking more along the lines of giving a new med or doing discharge teaching. I agree with you that it isn't necessary to go through the whole shebang each time. Sorry that wasn't expressed better.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
I'll say it again...I never said that they didn't have a right to know what you are giving them. However. after you explain it to them the first time what the oxycodone is for, if you are practicing the 5 rights, it shouldn't be necessary to go over the same medication over and over again. If it's their only medication for pain, you can say, "Ok Mr. Smith, I have brought you your pain pill." It doesn't need to be announced for everyone to hear at EVERY administration.
Imay not go through the whole shabang every time but I do say "Here is your percocet for your hip pain that you asked for" for the patient when asked..."have you gotten something for pain" they will answer "I think so the nurse gave me a pill"...surveyor...."what was the pill's name" ....patient ..."i don't know she didn't tell me" so Yes I say....... I have you pecrocet/dilaudid/morphine that you requested for pain....every time.

"

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Imay not go through the whole shabang every time but I do say "Here is your percocet for your hip pain that you asked for" for the patient when asked..."have you gotten something for pain" they will answer "I think so the nurse gave me a pill"...surveyor...."what was the pill's name" ....patient ..."i don't know she didn't tell me" so Yes I say....... I have you pecrocet/dilaudid/morphine that you requested for pain....every time.

"

OT but I love that dog in your avatar!

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Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.
OT but I love that dog in your avatar!

They change every few month or so...they are all great :)

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I know this is off topis....but my dog is a real HAM! Thanks...:) I appreciate it and so does my baby..:) I'm dense this morning what's OT an acronym for other than overtime?

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I know this is off topis....but my dog is a real HAM! Thanks...:) I appreciate it and so does my baby..:) I'm dense this morning what's OT an acronym for other than overtime?

OT-Off Topic.

Your dog makes me laugh when I see his different pictures.

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Occupational Therapy, maybe? - AH - I see.... :) I'm a geek...

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I'm dense this morning what's OT an acronym for other than overtime?

"Off-topic" :) Sorry to be late to this party-- been traveling.

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