Re: Information Privacy of the Patient

amynahmed · Dec 18, 2004

Hy Everyone,

I would like to know what do you guys practice in your health care environment when it comes to Information Privacy Issue. I have heard that if a patient does not want his identity to be revealed, the staff can allot a code or a number (3 digit number) to locate that patient in terms of revealing information to his selected family members.

Do you guys have any more suggestions. Please do share.

Thank you.

Amyna Ahmed.:)

HappyNurse2005, RN · Dec 18, 2004

here a patient can be classified as "no news". that means if someone calls the nurses station and asks about them, you say "not a patient here" (family has a password). if htey get mail sent to them in the hospital-sent back to them. no flowers delivered, nothing. they are considered "not a patient". i've only seen one person like that recently.

rose

HappyNurse2005, RN · Dec 18, 2004

here a patient can be classified as "no news". that means if someone calls the nurses station and asks about them, you say "not a patient here" (family has a password). if htey get mail sent to them in the hospital-sent back to them. no flowers delivered, nothing. they are considered "not a patient". i've only seen one person like that recently.

rose

Bjo · Dec 18, 2004

Federal law, called HIPPA, (off the top of my head it is the health imformation portability protection act) states that a patient has the right to privacy and nobody is entitled to any information unless the patient specifically indicates that. I'm sure there are many various secret codes that would ensure that the proper people were given the information they are entitled to.

Notice that even the local newspapers don't list hospital admissions and discharges like they used to.

It has good points and bad points.

Bjo · Dec 18, 2004

Federal law, called HIPPA, (off the top of my head it is the health imformation portability protection act) states that a patient has the right to privacy and nobody is entitled to any information unless the patient specifically indicates that. I'm sure there are many various secret codes that would ensure that the proper people were given the information they are entitled to.

Notice that even the local newspapers don't list hospital admissions and discharges like they used to.

It has good points and bad points.

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Dec 18, 2004

I'm an old psych nurse, so this is easy for me. In my current med surg environment and due to HIPPA now too, when I admit a patient...I tell the patient and family/visitor if present that I do not give out patient info, especially over the phone, due to patient confidentiality as a matter of my practice, their right to keep their info private, and due to HIPPA laws...if asked. I ask the patient on admit if it is OK to generally acknowledge the patient being in the hospital if I'm asked. The person will tell me yes or no. I inform the patient that if someone calls, even reported family on the phone, that I will only acknowledge that he/she is here and then transfer the call to that patient for that patient to decide who to share with and to share what. If the patient states that a certain person can have access to condition status and what that means currently, I will document that and depending on the circumstances assign that person a code word to use. I do not, as a matter of practice, accept a general "OK to share with anyone or all family members", because this usually leads to miscommunciation as to what is said, to who by who. I usually ask the patient to assign a spokesperson who can ask questions and get answers if the patient wishes and I document it. If the patient is a patient who is unable to communicate, I go to the spouse or next of kin, using the same principles. Most patients and families are very OK with this procedure. If there are great concerns, I will listen and forward info that is expressed to me. If probed further, I usually refer that individual (akin to the patient) to contact the patient's physician's office, depending upon the circumstance. If it is a concern that is relevant NOW regarding the patient condition, I will contact the physician to communicate concerns and obtain direction or orders. However, it is usually good practice when folks ask questions about a patient condition or what is to be expected, I usually prefer to have that person present at the patient's bedside if possible so that I can ask the patient in front of him/her if it is OK to answer the questions being asked or what can be shared. Most folks usually appreciate my not giving out their info and know that I do it out of respect and keep the patient in the loop. Most families appreciate it in that if a neighbor or non-intimate person should call or ask questions, info will not be provided unless permission is given. But, I'm an old psych nurse, so it is second hat.

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Dec 18, 2004

I'm an old psych nurse, so this is easy for me. In my current med surg environment and due to HIPPA now too, when I admit a patient...I tell the patient and family/visitor if present that I do not give out patient info, especially over the phone, due to patient confidentiality as a matter of my practice, their right to keep their info private, and due to HIPPA laws...if asked. I ask the patient on admit if it is OK to generally acknowledge the patient being in the hospital if I'm asked. The person will tell me yes or no. I inform the patient that if someone calls, even reported family on the phone, that I will only acknowledge that he/she is here and then transfer the call to that patient for that patient to decide who to share with and to share what. If the patient states that a certain person can have access to condition status and what that means currently, I will document that and depending on the circumstances assign that person a code word to use. I do not, as a matter of practice, accept a general "OK to share with anyone or all family members", because this usually leads to miscommunciation as to what is said, to who by who. I usually ask the patient to assign a spokesperson who can ask questions and get answers if the patient wishes and I document it. If the patient is a patient who is unable to communicate, I go to the spouse or next of kin, using the same principles. Most patients and families are very OK with this procedure. If there are great concerns, I will listen and forward info that is expressed to me. If probed further, I usually refer that individual (akin to the patient) to contact the patient's physician's office, depending upon the circumstance. If it is a concern that is relevant NOW regarding the patient condition, I will contact the physician to communicate concerns and obtain direction or orders. However, it is usually good practice when folks ask questions about a patient condition or what is to be expected, I usually prefer to have that person present at the patient's bedside if possible so that I can ask the patient in front of him/her if it is OK to answer the questions being asked or what can be shared. Most folks usually appreciate my not giving out their info and know that I do it out of respect and keep the patient in the loop. Most families appreciate it in that if a neighbor or non-intimate person should call or ask questions, info will not be provided unless permission is given. But, I'm an old psych nurse, so it is second hat.