Patient Privacy and Confidentiality
Description
In today’s complex healthcare landscape, safeguarding patient information isn’t just a legal obligation—it’s the cornerstone of trust and professional integrity. Join Dr. Richard Schmitt, a seasoned chiropractor with over 40 years of practice and two decades of providing continuing education courses to the profession. Dr. Schmitt, a past president of the Maryland Chiropractic Association, brings decades of real-world experience and a passion for ethical practice to guide you through the intricacies of HIPAA, tailored explicitly for Maryland chiropractors.
This comprehensive program will demystify the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), breaking down its core principles, the critical distinction between its Privacy and Security Rules, and the nuances of what constitutes Protected Health Information (PHI). You’ll gain practical strategies to secure both paper and electronic records, understand the vital role of Business Associate Agreements, and learn how to navigate the ‘Front Desk Danger Zone’ to prevent common privacy pitfalls. With real-world case studies and Maryland-specific regulations highlighted, you’ll be equipped to confidently manage patient access rights, understand proper communication protocols, and, crucially, know the precise steps to take if a data breach ever occurs. Invest in your practice’s future by ensuring unwavering compliance and building unshakeable patient trust.
Learning Objective
After taking this course, the viewer will be able to:
- Understand the core principles and foundational rules of HIPAA, including the Privacy and Security Rules, and identify what constitutes Protected Health Information (PHI).
- Apply practical, Maryland-specific patient protection strategies in their daily chiropractic practice, ensuring compliance with both federal HIPAA regulations and state-specific requirements.
- Identify common privacy pitfalls and mistakes within a chiropractic office setting, such as unsecured devices, improper record disposal, and inadequate oversight of Business Associates.
- Navigate HIPAA violations and data breaches effectively, understanding the necessary response steps and notification requirements to mitigate legal and reputational risks.
- Influence their chiropractic practice by fostering a robust culture of privacy and security, enhancing patient trust, reducing legal vulnerabilities, and ensuring ethical professional conduct in all aspects of patient information management.
