Is it a HIPAA violation to look up the outcomes of patients you cared for?
For example, you had a patient on a med-surg unit who you transferred to ICU. You come into work the next day wondering about what they did for him and what was the outcome (out of concern for the patient and for your own knowledge). Is it a violation to continue to access this medical record if you previously cared for this patient but transferred them to another unit?
Thanks for any answers and I apologize if this has been discussed before, I searched but didn't find anything.
Really glad I saw this thread because I have already done this as CNA and I now I understand it's a very bad idea. I was getting to be friends with a family in the ICU and I checked to see whether the patient survived...she didn't
Really glad I saw this thread because I have already done this as CNA and I now I understand it's a very bad idea. I was getting to be friends with a family in the ICU and I checked to see whether the patient survived...she didn't
They are really getting strict on enforcing HIPPA. At the hospital I used to work at, they would do random audits and people who would access charts without cause would get fired. You really have no business looking into peoples charts out of curiosity.
Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
Which FAQ? Here on the site or HIPAA's FAQ? Do you have a link?
It's more than out of curiosity, it's clinical learning experience to follow up your assessment of the patient and the final outcome.
There are plenty of different case studies you can look up for learning experiences. Don't risk your license by looking up your previous patients, even if it is for good intentions.
This exact question came up at a staff meeting the other day and our manager said it was o.k. Yikes. Better get back to her on that one.
It is unfortunate that we cannot b/c it does really help to put all the pieces of the puzzle together when you've transferred a pt. to a higher level of care. I know that there are case studies but finding a case study that exactly matches what you've seen w/ your pt. Is difficult. I had a pt. w/ very weird, sudden onset of respiratory symptoms requiring intubation and transfer to ICU. I searched and searched for a similar case and could not find anything.
I'm not saying that someone should access the chart over and over again but a quick look at diagnostic tests and the doctor's note so you know what the outcome was would be helpful. I can see though why it is not allowed b/c it could easily be abused.
I'll have to talk w/ my manager and figure out the proper procedure to follow since as it is now we've all been told it is o.k. to do.
Yes. Yes it's wrong and I cannot believe how often this is asked considering you were taught this~=!!
Is it a HIPAA violation to look up the outcomes of patients you cared for?
For example, you had a patient on a med-surg unit who you transferred to ICU. You come into work the next day wondering about what they did for him and what was the outcome (out of concern for the patient and for your own knowledge). Is it a violation to continue to access this medical record if you previously cared for this patient but transferred them to another unit?
Thanks for any answers and I apologize if this has been discussed before, I searched but didn't find anything.
LOL, try and spin it that way when your compliance managers come a' knocking to ask what you were doing in the chart of a patient you were NOT providing direct care for during that time!
Which FAQ? Here on the site or HIPAA's FAQ? Do you have a link?
It's more than out of curiosity, it's clinical learning experience to follow up your assessment of the patient and the final outcome.
It is a violation of HIPAA. Privacy works on need-to-know. If you are no longer the nurse, you no longer need to know. However, there are exceptions for educational purposes. But just your curiosity doesn't apply. The best way is through your educator. Tell them you would like a follow-up on a patient, and they would be authorized to look into the record and fill you in. Or you could visit the patient, and ask them how they are doing. Whatever they tell you wound not be a HIPAA violation.
ReadyToListen, CNA, EMT-B
123 Posts
Really glad I saw this thread because I have already done this as CNA and I now I understand it's a very bad idea. I was getting to be friends with a family in the ICU and I checked to see whether the patient survived...she didn't