How can healthcare providers balance the need for access to patient information with the need to protect patient privacy and maintain confidentiality? How can healthcare organizations ensure that staff members are properly trained in protecting patient privacy and handling sensitive patient information? Protecting patient privacy and maintaining the integrity of information technology are critical responsibilities for nurses. The use of technology such as smartphones and electronic health records (EHRs) in healthcare has become increasingly prevalent, making it vital for nurses to understand how to safeguard patient information. Breaches of privacy can have severe financial consequences for both healthcare providers and facilities. As such, it is crucial for nurses to be vigilant in their efforts to uphold patient privacy and maintain the security of all technology used in their practice.Instruction
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) Based on the Learning Resources in this module, what are the legal and ethical implications of this breach? Be specific and include details. Based on the Learning Resources in this module, identify risks associated with using information technology. Explain how, as a nurse, you will comply with ethical principles and privacy laws to protect patient privacy. Cite sources in APA format. By Day 7 For this Assignment, you assess common privacy risks associated with using information and communication technologies. In addition, you explain the legal and ethical implications of a breach related to the privacy of health information and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements while using communication and information technologies in nursing practice
