Confidentiality & Discretion (Video)

As a unit secretary, I see patients' medical information every day. 

I also hear a lot of conversations between doctors and nurses, and I know it is important to be discreet and keep my mouth shut. 

I have learned that it is essential to remain silent about what I see and hear and to shred all patients' paperwork instead of throwing it in the garbage. 

By following these simple guidelines, I can help protect the privacy of my patients and ensure that their information is kept confidential.

Jussie Smollett, HIPAA and the Unit Secretary (Video)

HIPAA is something that all Health Unit Coordinators have drummed into us. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) is United States legislation that provides data privacy and security provisions for safeguarding medical information. Fines can range from $100 to $50,000 per violation (or per record), with a maximum penalty of $1.5 million per year for each violation.

So, knowing all of this, why do workers continue to disregard it? 

Recently, a dozen workers were fired from Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago for accessing the medical records of actor Jussie Smollett, one of the stars of the television show Empire.

Don't risk your job, money and reputation over being nosey.