Health Matters

By Virginia Lester, RN, MSN, ARNP

What is HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) and what does it mean to you and the Aydon Wellness Clinic?
I have been told there are no secrets in Point Roberts. I also have been told that some people are afraid to come to the clinic because they are afraid that their “secret” will be made public. I am aware that this is a very small community and this increases the need for the clinic personnel to uphold the federal laws under HIPPA.

I am writing this article to address some questions and concerns regarding confidentiality of medical and mental health information. When you first come to the clinic you are given a sheet of paper that describes how your personal information will be managed and what your rights are regarding your medical and mental health chart. You must even sign another paper that states you have received this information.

Privacy and confidentiality are the hallmarks of HIPPA. This means that patients have the right to control who will see their protected identifiable health information. This means that all communication with or about patients will be private and limited to those who need the information. Only those people with an authorized need to know will have access to your protected information.

Although privacy and confidentiality are not new to health providers, hospitals and other health care organizations, the U.S. government strengthened the laws in response to situations in which private health information ended up in the wrong hands. The right to have personal health information kept private and secure became more than an ethical obligation – it became the law. It is illegal to release health information to any party, appropriate or inappropriate, without the express permission given by the patient. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) enforces the HIPPA regulations and breaking the rules can mean either a civil or criminal penalty.

Confidential information includes patient identity, address, age, social security number and all personal information provided by the patient.
Anyone who takes care of a patient needs access to pertinent health information. Patient information may be available to providers who are sharing care. The requirement to use and share is limited to the “minimum necessary.” Mental health records are additionally protected. They may only be shared with other providers with express signed permission of the patient.

The Wellness Clinic uses an elaborate computerized electronic medical record system controlled by St. Joseph Hospital and the Peace Health Organization, which means that all personal and confidential information is locked and can only be viewed by personnel with the code to enter the system. This method of record security prevents accidental sharing of information. Only authorized personnel have access. I feel this is extremely important here in Point Roberts. Please be assured that what you share with me or other providers will remain locked in the computer and only shared with your permission.