I need advice, possible HIPAA violation

[KTT]

Risk Managers or anyone, what should I do if I opened a chart while trying to learn functions in the Meditech system? I didn't realize until today how negligent that could reflect on me especially for a HIPAA audit. 

Will it be a problem? I'm worried and really don't want to lose my job for mindlessly doing something like that. I feel so stupid. I'm just getting my career started. 

I didn't have any ill intentions. I didn't alter or collect any information. But could clicking around for a minute to see different functions come back to me? Should I inform someone of my mistake? I need advice I'm really nervous now. 

[NurseBlaq]

No. I'm sure they know you're new and getting used to the system, well I assume you're new and that's why you don't know how to navigate the system yet. However, don't make a habit of it. Did you not receive training on the system?

[KTT]

@NurseBlaq Thank you for the response! I didn't receive proper training on the system. Someone briefly showed me how to print. But the other day I was clicking the side buttons to see what they did. Some buttons didn't do anything, and some would open another section of the chart. I've been researching and even read about "breaking the glass" and how that can flag someone as well, I'm not sure if I did that. I remember a note popped up that it was private information, not to share or duplicate. I didn't of course. I don't even remember what was in the chart because I wasn't really reading it, I was just looking into what the functions were. I feel so stupid I should have just exited out. I'm just super nervous now and feel like a cloud is above me with this huge violation. 

[NurseBlaq]

Don't be nervous, you should have received training. You can ask the unit manager or nurse educator for an in-service on the system if that will make you feel better. You can then explain you don't want to be perceived as violating HIPAA because you're accidentally opening PHI while trying to teach yourself to navigate the system.

[JKL33]

Hi, @KTT -

What is your role and what is the context in which you did this? Were you on duty, etc.? 

Agree with @NurseBlaq, you should have received training and you should speak with the appropriate people at your workplace to make sure you get it. ASAP.

In the meantime, don't open the charts of any patients that are not part of your current assignment. Familiarize yourself with the functions of the EMR as best you can while you're in those charts only. Even for educational purposes, actual patient charts are not used.

It'll be okay. Talk to your people as soon as possible! ???