How can you protect patient privacy?

1 Know the laws and regulations

The first step to protect patient privacy is to familiarize yourself with the relevant laws and regulations that apply to your practice. For example, in the United States, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets the standards for the protection of health information. HIPAA requires that you obtain written consent from your clients before disclosing their health information to third parties, unless it is for treatment, payment, or health care operations. HIPAA also gives your clients the right to access, correct, and request a copy of their health records. You should also be aware of any state or local laws that may have additional requirements or protections for patient privacy.

2 Use secure communication channels

Another step to protect patient privacy is to use secure communication channels when communicating with your clients or other health care providers. This means that you should avoid using unencrypted email, text, or social media platforms that may expose your clients' information to unauthorized parties. Instead, you should use encrypted email, secure messaging apps, or phone calls to communicate with your clients. You should also avoid discussing your clients' information in public places or with anyone who is not involved in their care. If you need to send or receive documents that contain your clients' information, you should use a secure fax machine, a password-protected file sharing service, or a certified mail service.

3 Educate your clients and yourself

A third step to protect patient privacy is to educate your clients and yourself about the risks and benefits of sharing their information online. You should inform your clients about how their information may be used, disclosed, or accessed by different entities, such as health care providers, insurance companies, researchers, or online platforms. You should also advise your clients to be careful about what they post on social media, blogs, or forums, as their information may be seen by others or used for marketing or research purposes. You should also keep yourself updated on the latest trends and technologies that may affect patient privacy, such as mobile apps, wearable devices, or telehealth services. You should also learn how to protect your own devices and accounts from cyberattacks or breaches.

4 Follow best practices and policies

A fourth step to protect patient privacy is to follow the best practices and policies that are established by your organization, profession, or industry. You should adhere to the codes of ethics and conduct that guide your role and responsibilities as a patient advocate. You should also comply with the policies and procedures that regulate the collection, storage, and disposal of your clients' information. For example, you should use strong passwords, lock your devices and files, and shred or delete any documents that are no longer needed. You should also report any incidents or violations of patient privacy to the appropriate authorities or agencies.

5 Respect your clients' preferences and rights

A fifth step to protect patient privacy is to respect your clients' preferences and rights regarding their information. You should always ask for your clients' permission before sharing their information with others, unless it is required by law or necessary for their care. You should also honor your clients' requests to limit or restrict the access or use of their information, as long as it does not compromise their safety or quality of care. You should also support your clients' decisions to participate or withdraw from any research or clinical trials that involve their information. You should also help your clients exercise their rights to access, correct, or obtain a copy of their information, as well as file a complaint or appeal if they feel that their privacy has been violated.

6 Review and evaluate your practices

A sixth step to protect patient privacy is to review and evaluate your practices regularly. You should monitor and audit your activities and records to ensure that you are following the laws, regulations, and policies that apply to your practice. You should also seek feedback and suggestions from your clients, colleagues, and supervisors on how to improve your privacy practices. You should also update and revise your practices as needed to reflect any changes or developments in the legal, ethical, or technological landscape. You should also participate in any training or education programs that can help you enhance your knowledge and skills on patient privacy.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?