Confidentiality Is A Core Duty - 1484 Words

Confidentiality is a core duty in the healthcare field, it requires healthcare providers to keep information private unless a release of information is in place, and if the patient feels there information is not protected than they are less likely to share sensitive information that could affect their care negatively. Before any health-care provider or institution may disclose patient-specific health information, the law requires the express consent of the patient. Such express consent must be in writing or, where state law permits, via computer. This is commonly referred to as the process for authorizing release of information. Where the Privacy Rule requires patient authorization, voluntary consent is not sufficient to permit a use or†¦show more content†¦The release of information is a written consent form that permits the distribution of confidential health information to third parties. The components of a valid release of information are determined by state law and fede ral and state regulation.† (McWay) The release of information is extremely important for the patient because it assures them that their information is not being shared without their consent. Patients are constantly sharing personal information with healthcare providers with great trust, and if there information were to be released without their approval it would destroy the trust and relationship the patient shares with those specific healthcare providers, not to mention the healthcare provider would be breaking the law, without the patient’s consent. â€Å"Under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, a valid authorization must be in plain language and contain at least the following core elements: the individual’s name; a specific and meaningful description of the information to be used or disclosed; the name or other specific identification of the person or class of persons authorized to make the disclosure; the name or other specific identification of the person to whom the disclosure is to be made; an expiration date or expiration event that relates to the individual or purpose of the use or disclosure; a statement of the individual’s right to revoke the authorization in writing, exceptions to the right to revoke, together with how the