1. Privacy in the
Workplace

2. Healthcare
In the healthcare environment, the privacy of the
patient is of the utmost importance
Confidentiality is not only the patient’s right, it is the
law
AMA's Code of Medical Ethics states that the
information disclosed to a physician during the
course of the patient-physician relationship is
confidential to the utmost degree.

3. What Is Our
Responsibility?
Maintaining patient confidentiality is a legal duty as
well as an ethical duty
A physician's legal obligations are defined by the US
Constitution, by federal and state laws and
regulations, and by the courts.
Despite these ethical and legal obligations, access to
confidential patient information has become more
prevalent.

4. What Can We Do?
Processes and Procedures Must Change
Leaders and managers must be more aware
The general rule regarding release of a patient's
medical record is that information contained in a
patient's medical record may be released to third
parties only if the patient has consented to such
disclosure.
Passwords and access must be restricted

5. Consequences?
Failure to get the appropriate release for medical
records may have serious results.
Unauthorized entry into patient records will also
result in disciplinary action
Holding employees accountable will curb
unauthorized behavior

6. Next Steps
Leaders and managers adopt new processes
More security surrounding passwords
Vigilance when releasing records
Tracking of accountability/write-ups
Share knowledge regarding laws and patient
confidentiality