HIPAA is an issue that has brought up many debates and sources of confusion. Made even more complicated by regulations concerning aspects such as proper use of sign in sheets, HIPAA, while extremely useful, can sometimes be difficult to navigate. Understanding not only why these regulations exist, but how they can be properly implemented, can ensure that patients, and practices, will be protected.
HIPAA
HIPAA is a part of the series of information privacy laws that were created in order to protect the privacy and security of certain types of information. HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. It, specifically, was introduced in 1996. Though it covers many things, such as guaranteeing health insurance coverage for workers who have lost their jobs and implementing national standards for the development of health insurance issues and the transmission of information regarding such issues, it is best known for protecting the privacy of health data. These privacy regulations include the strict protection of patient names and conditions, as well as measures that are meant to keep all forms of information regarding conditions, treatments and patient personal information. Even such aspects of information such as name, birth date or doctor performing care are kept strictly confidential. One aspect of patient care that is strictly regulated is the use of sign in sheets.
HIPAA Sign In Sheets
Patient sign in sheets are a common tool in most medical practices. These sheets allow patients, whether appointment or walk-in, to offer certain information to the registration staff to streamline the functions of the medical office. Previously these sheets were detailed and openly displayed. HIPAA laws, however, put limitations on these patient sign in sheets as well as the doctor sign in sheets that are used to call patients in to the actual office. Laws regulate not only the display of the information, but the actual information that is permitted to be gathered on such sheets. (more…)