Confidentiality, HIPAA, and Clinical Practice: A Detailed Report

This report delves into the critical aspects of healthcare confidentiality within the context of clinical practice. It begins by defining confidentiality and exploring the impact of HIPAA regulations on patient data security, including the establishment of national standards for protecting medical records and setting boundaries for data usage and release. The report then examines the author's clinical experience, focusing on the security measures in place to protect patient information and the importance of adhering to workplace security and privacy policies. A specific incident involving the improper disclosure of confidential information within an informatics system is described, highlighting the potential consequences of such breaches. Finally, the report suggests additional security measures, such as encryption, firewalls, and responsible social media use, to further protect patient data and prevent future breaches. References to relevant literature supporting these concepts are also provided.

Running head: HEALTHCARE
Healthcare

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Reflect on your own clinical practice and answer the following questions:
What is confidentiality? How is confidentiality impacted by HIPAA?
During my working tenure in the hospital, it was observed that confidentiality is protection
related to personal data. In such way, I have learned that confidentiality indicates the keeping the
data of client between nurse and client, as well as, these data cannot be shared to anyone such as
family, friends, and co-workers (Coram, 2016). For instance, individual files are locked by me to
secure the data.
I have also observed that HIPAA Privacy rule is used for developing the national standards and
protecting the medical records of individuals as well as, other individual health data. I have
pointed out that HIPAA rules are set for creating the boundaries on using and releasing the
records of health data (Beeson, et. al., 2016).
In your clinical experience, what security measures are/were in place to protect patient
information?
I have developed my understanding of different aspects such as adhering to workplace security
as well as, privacy policies to keep the confidentiality of patient data. I have increased my
experience that nurse should comprehend and be compliant with the rules and regulation of
HIPAA. During my clinical practices, it was also taught to me that nurse should get proper
training about the discarding the confidential data feasibly as per the workplace privacy
regulation (Fuentes, et. al., 2018).
Describe at least one incident when confidential information within an informatics system
was improperly disclosed. If you have not had this experience, describe at least one
opportunity for potential improper disclosure of confidential information within an
informatics system.

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During clinical practices, I have improperly disclosed the confidential data within an informatics
system due to my careless behaviour. I have talked about the patients in public spaces such as
cafeterias and elevators, during telephone interactions and while accessing electronic information
hence, it resulted in breaches of patient confidential data. If I have not had this experience, then
unintentionally I can be involved in lost opportunities, harm reputation of patients, individual
humiliation and financial commitment (Coram, 2016).
What additional security measures do you feel would further protect patient information in
your clinical practice?
There are some additional security measures that I do feel for using in further protecting the
patient data in my clinical practices such as enable encryptions and firewalls, rationally
application of social media, double check before correcting storing the files as well as,
adequately disposing the paper files (Beeson, et. al., 2016).

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References
Beeson, T., Mead, K. H., Wood, S., Goldberg, D. G., Shin, P., & Rosenbaum, S. (2016). Privacy
and confidentiality practices in adolescent family planning care at federally qualified
health centers. Perspectives on sexual and reproductive health, 48(1), 17-24.
Coram, C. (2016). Expert role modeling effect on novice nursing students' clinical
judgment. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 12(9), 385-391.
Fuentes, L., Ingerick, M., Jones, R., & Lindberg, L. (2018). Adolescents' and young adults'
reports of barriers to confidential health care and receipt of contraceptive
services. Journal of Adolescent Health, 62(1), 36-43