As a student intern, it's important to understand HIPAA and what it means for you. Here are a few key things you should know:
- Prohibited from sharing specific patient information about individuals (name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, medical history, or treatment information) you may encounter with family, friends, or community members.
- It is ok to share about the learning experience in a general sense without personally identifiable information for purposes like interviews, sharing with parents, etc.
- Don't discuss individual patients in an open environment where others may hear the information, such as in the hallways or common areas.
- Don't use your cell phone (especially for image/texting/social media) during clinic hours (can use it during breaks if there's no patient in the clinic).
- Don't photograph, record, or share patient information on social media sites and while in the clinic. There will be opportunities for photos with physician permission (project presentation, team photo, etc).
- Patients have the right to request copies of their medical records, ask that their information be corrected, and request that their information not be shared with certain individuals or organizations.
- If you violate HIPAA regulations, you could face serious consequences, including disciplinary action from your school or employer, fines, and even criminal charges. It's important to take HIPAA regulations seriously and always follow the guidelines set forth by your school or employer.
In summary, you must understand HIPAA and its requirements for protecting patients' PHI. You should always keep patient information confidential, follow HIPAA regulations, and be aware of patients' rights regarding their own PHI.
