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The
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a
federal privacy rule that took effect April 14, 2003. It gives patients
more control over their health information and greater protection of
personal medical records. It also gives patients a choice of whether
or not they want to be listed in the hospital's patient directory.
Here are some changes you may encounter as a patient or a family member
at hospitals:
- Patients will be given a Notice of Privacy Practices and asked
to sign that they received it.
- Family members may be asked additional questions to confirm
their relationship to a patient and their identity before information
is released.
- Families and friends will only receive information if the patient
has consented to this.
- Patients and families may be asked to designate a family communicator.
Patient Directory
The patient directory is used to refer callers or
visitors to a patient's nurse or room. If the patient has chosen
to be listed in the patient directory, callers and visitors must
provide the patient's first and last name before the hospital can
give out any information about the patient, including the patient's
location. If the patient has chosen not to be listed in the directory,
by law the hospital is not allowed to release any information to
callers and visitors, including confirmation of the patient's presence
in the hospital. Callers and visitors will be told that there is
no information for a patient by that name.
Know Your Options as a Patient
- Opt In
- If you decide to be listed in the hospital's directory, friends
or family calling or visiting will need to provide your first
and last name before they will be connected to your room or
told your room location.
- Opt Out
- If you decide not to be listed in the hospital's patient
directory, no one (including family, friends, pastoral counsel
and media) will be able to find out if you are a patient at
the hospital, your location or your condition. No flowers can
be delivered to you. Callers and visitors will be told that
there is no information for a patient by that name.
Remember, if you decide not to be listed in the hospital
directory, no one will be able to find out how you are doing
or if you are a patient at our hospital.
Mason General Hospital respects the confidentiality of its patient's
medical information. We are committed to making the medical privacy
rule work for patients and those who care for them. Thank you for
your cooperation and understanding. |
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