Write a 2–3-page paper discussing a time in your nursing practice in which a breach of patient privacy occurred because of misuse of the electronic health record or a communication tool (e.g., smartphone, texting, IM). If you have no personal experience with a breach, then identify a breach reported in the media.
What was the breach? Who was involved? What was the outcome? What policies exist in your workplace to prevent a privacy breach? (Including HIPAA)
What are the legal and ethical implications of this breach? Be specific and include details.
Identify risks associated with using information technologies in nursing practice.
Explain how, as a nurse, you will comply with ethical principles and privacy laws to protect patient privacy. Cite sources in APA format.
Full Answer Section
The Outcome and Investigations:
The incident sparked a formal investigation by hospital administration. Sarah was reprimanded for violating HIPAA regulations and the hospital’s internal policies regarding the use of personal devices for accessing protected health information (PHI). She received mandatory training on HIPAA and data security protocols. The hospital also conducted a review of its policies and implemented additional security measures for accessing the EHR system from mobile devices.
Policies in Place to Prevent Breaches:
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HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): This federal law sets standards for the protection of sensitive patient information. HIPAA regulations govern the use, disclosure, and safeguarding of PHI.
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Hospital-Specific Policies: Our hospital has strict policies prohibiting the use of personal devices for accessing the EHR system. These policies also mandate the use of strong passwords, regular password changes, and data encryption.
Legal and Ethical Implications:
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Legal Implications: The breach violated HIPAA regulations, potentially exposing the hospital to civil and criminal penalties. Sarah could have also faced legal repercussions, including fines or even criminal charges.
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Ethical Implications: The breach violated the ethical principle of patient confidentiality. The nurse's actions undermined the trust relationship between patients and healthcare providers, jeopardizing the patient’s right to privacy and autonomy.
Risks Associated with Using Information Technologies in Nursing Practice:
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Data Security Breaches: EHR systems are vulnerable to cyberattacks and data breaches.
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Unauthorized Access: Unintentional or intentional access to PHI by unauthorized personnel can occur.
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Misuse of Information: EHR data can be misused for personal gain or for unethical purposes, such as sharing information with unauthorized individuals.
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Social Media and Privacy: Nurses must be mindful of the potential for privacy breaches when using social media, especially when sharing patient information.
Ethical Principles and Privacy Laws:
As a nurse, I am committed to upholding ethical principles and complying with privacy laws to protect patient confidentiality.
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Beneficence: My actions should always be directed towards promoting the well-being of my patients. This includes protecting their privacy and ensuring their information is handled responsibly.
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Nonmaleficence: I will not harm or cause harm to my patients, which includes protecting their privacy from unauthorized disclosure.
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Autonomy: I will respect my patients' right to privacy and autonomy by handling their information with the utmost discretion.
Protecting Patient Privacy:
To comply with ethical principles and privacy laws, I will:
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Use Strong Passwords: I will use strong, unique passwords for all my electronic health records systems.
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Log Out Regularly: I will log out of EHR systems when I am not actively using them.
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Limit Access: I will only access information that is relevant to my role and responsibilities.
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Report Suspicious Activity: I will immediately report any suspected breaches of patient privacy to my supervisor.
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Maintain Professional Boundaries: I will avoid discussing patient information with unauthorized individuals, including friends, family, or colleagues not involved in the patient’s care.
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Stay Informed: I will continuously update my knowledge about HIPAA regulations and best practices for protecting patient privacy in the digital age.
Conclusion
The case of Sarah's breach highlights the importance of a strong commitment to patient privacy and the critical need for awareness about the risks associated with using technology in healthcare. By adhering to ethical principles, following HIPAA regulations, and implementing best practices for data security, nurses can contribute to a culture of trust and protect
Sample Answer
A Breach of Trust: A Case Study in Patient Privacy and Information Technology
In the realm of healthcare, maintaining patient privacy is paramount. The ethical and legal implications of a breach of confidentiality are profound, impacting both individuals and the integrity of the healthcare system. This paper will examine a real-world case of a patient privacy breach involving the misuse of electronic health records (EHRs) and explore the associated risks, policies, and ethical considerations.
The Breach: A Case of Unintentional Disclosure
During my time working as a registered nurse on a busy medical-surgical unit, I witnessed a concerning breach of patient privacy involving the use of a smartphone. A fellow nurse, let's call her Sarah, was charting patient information on her personal smartphone while on break. She was using the device to access the hospital's EHR system, likely for the convenience of completing charting tasks during her break.
Unbeknownst to Sarah, a colleague, John, walked by and saw the screen displaying patient data, including the patient's name, diagnosis, and medications. John was shocked and immediately reported the incident to our charge nurse.