by editor | Aug 25, 2024 | Care Keys - Aides, Care Keys - Chaplains, Care Keys - Nurses, Care Keys - Social Workers, Rules and Regulations - Office Team, Rules and Regulations - Social Workers, Rules and Regulations - Volunteers
As a member of the hospice healthcare team, you play an important role in caring for your patients. Because of this, you will often learn private information about them – not just about their health, but also about their personal relationships, their financial situations, and other sensitive and personal information. It is important to understand that you have a legal and ethical responsibility to keep this information confidential and only share it – when necessary – with other healthcare professionals who are part of the patient’s care team. It is your responsibility to protect patient privacy.
Why is it important to keep healthcare information private?
In 1996, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was passed to protect people’s health information. The main goal of HIPAA is to ensure that health information is kept private and secure, and only shared with those who need to know in order to provide care or process medical records. This law applies to everyone working in healthcare.
What does HIPAA protect?
HIPAA protects what is called “personal health information” (PHI). This includes any details that could identify a patient, such as:
- Name
- Medical record number
- Date of birth
- Address
- Email address
- Social security number
Only those directly involved in a patient’s care or those who handle billing or administrative tasks should have access to this information.
Your role as a member of the patient’s healthcare team
As a member of the patient’s healthcare team, it is important to follow HIPAA rules to protect your patient’s privacy. If you share a patient’s health information without permission, it can harm the patient and break the trust they have in you. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Do not share information unnecessarily: Never discuss a patient’s health with friends, family, or on social media. Only discuss patient care with other healthcare workers who are directly involved in that patient’s care.
- Keep conversations private: If you need to talk about a patient’s care with another healthcare worker, make sure you do so in a private place where others cannot overhear.
- Secure patient records: Whether you are handling paper records or using electronic systems, always ensure that patient information is stored securely.
Why following HIPAA is important
By following HIPAA regulations, you help protect your patient’s privacy, ensure their information is handled with respect, and build trust. Patients and their families rely on you to keep their personal information safe, and HIPAA provides the guidelines you need to do so.
What are the guidelines of not following HIPAA?
Hospices and their employees must protect patient information at all times. If HIPAA rules are not followed, it can lead to serious consequences including fines, penalties, and even imprisonment. This applies not just to the hospice itself but also to any vendors or contractors who work with patient information.
Final thoughts
Understanding and following HIPAA is an essential part of your job as a member of a patient’s healthcare team. By keeping patient information private, you help ensure their safety, comfort, and trust in the care they receive. Remember, protecting privacy is not just a legal requirement – it is a crucial part of providing compassionate and respectful care.
Where can you find more information
by editor | Aug 24, 2024 | Care Keys - Aides, Care Keys - Chaplains, Care Keys - Nurses, Care Keys - Social Workers
What are advanced directives?
Advanced directives give patients the ability to direct their medical care in advance. Advanced directives are legal documents that tell doctors and caregivers what a patient wants for their healthcare if the patient becomes too sick to speak or make decisions. Advanced directives explain what kind of medical care the patient would like to receive, or not receive, in different situations.
Advance directives can also name the person who should make medical decisions for the patient in the case that the patient is unable to make those decisions.
Who writes an advanced directive?
The patient, while they are still able to make decisions, will write the advanced directive. Sometimes a family member or a close friend will help the patient, but it is important that the patient’s wishes are clearly written down.
When are advanced directives used?
Advanced directives are used if the patient is too sick or injured to talk or to make decisions about their own care. For example, if a patient is unconscious or has a severe illness that makes it difficult for them to speak, doctors or caregivers will check the advanced directive to understand the patient’s preferences and to know what to do.
How should advanced directives be treated?
An advanced directive is a legal document and must be followed carefully. The following is some guidance for members of the patient’s care team, relating to the patient’s advanced directive:
- Know where it is: It is important for members of the patient care team to know if the patient has an advanced directive and to know where it is kept. This will help ensure that the patient’s wishes are followed, if the need arises.
- Respect the patient’s wishes: The advanced directive represents the patient’s voice when the patient cannot speak for himself or herself. It is important to follow what it says in the advanced directive.
- Communicate: If a member of the care team is not sure that they understand what is written in the advanced directive, they should speak with other members of the care team. Together, they can work to understand the advanced directives and ensure that the patient’s wishes are honored.
- Stay calm and supportive: This situation is often stressful. It is important that members of the care team remain calm and provide support to the patient and members of the family.
Where can you find out more
by editor | Aug 19, 2024 | Care Keys - Aides, Care Keys - Nurses, Care Keys - Social Workers
When taking care of patients in hospice, it’s important to understand the difference between over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications. Knowing how these medications work and what they’re used for can help you provide better care.
What Are Over-the-Counter Medications?
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are medicines you can buy without a doctor’s prescription. These include things like pain relievers (like Tylenol or Advil), cold medicines, and allergy pills. People use OTC medications for common health problems like headaches, colds, or minor aches and pains. These medicines are generally safe when used as directed on the label. But it’s still important to be careful, especially when patients are taking other medications.
What Are Prescription Medications?
Prescription medications are medicines that a doctor or other healthcare provider must prescribe. These drugs are often stronger than OTC medicines and are used to treat more serious health conditions. Because they are stronger, they can have more side effects or cause harm if not taken exactly as prescribed. Patients in hospice care often take prescription medications to manage pain, control symptoms, or treat chronic conditions.
Key Differences Between OTC and Prescription Medications
- Access: You can buy OTC medications at a store without a prescription, but you need a doctor’s order to get prescription medications.
- Strength: Prescription medications are usually stronger and meant for more serious conditions.
- Safety: Both types of medications are safe when used correctly, but prescription medications require more careful monitoring because of their strength and potential side effects.
What Hospice Aides Need to Know About Medications
- Never Give Medications Without Approval: Always follow the care plan and never give a patient any medication, including OTC, without approval from a nurse or doctor.
- Be Aware of Interactions: Some OTC medications can interact with prescription drugs and cause problems. For example, taking aspirin (an OTC pain reliever) with certain prescription blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Watch for Side Effects: Both OTC and prescription medications can have side effects. Be alert for any changes in the patient’s condition, and report anything unusual to the nurse or healthcare provider.
- Follow State Guidelines: Each state has specific rules about what hospice aides can and cannot do when it comes to assisting with medications. In some states, aides may help with medication reminders, but they should not give medications directly. Always follow the guidelines in your state and the care plan for each patient.
Where Can You Find Out More
- FDA: Understanding Over the Counter Medication
- Mayo Clinic: Prescription Drug Information
