Ethical & Legal Issues

MODULE FIVE:

Objectives:Students will:• Understand privacy, confidentiality and

ethics as they relate to being a volunteer.• Understand when it is acceptable to breach

confidentiality.• Understand the basic concepts of HIPAA

Ethical Responsibility:• Being respectful of the cultural, social and

ethnic differences in people.• Maintaining professionalism when

interacting with clients and staff• Providing fair and equal treatment for all

Legal responsibilities:

Abide by the laws:• Privacy and confidentiality• Policies of the volunteer organization

Exceptions to the rules of confidentiality:If you see or know about:• Child abuse• Drugs use• Someone in danger of hurting themselves or

others• Matters of life, death or injury

– Go to a supervisor and/or a YHSC staff member immediately. They have the experience and authority to handle the situation.

What is HIPAA?

• Provides privacy laws regarding your health and medical information.

• In 2003, the Privacy Rule, gave individuals rights over their health information and set rules and limits on who could look at and receive personal health information.

• HIPAA gives you the right to see your own medical information, correct inaccurate information, limit the communication of your records, and act against violations.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (1996)

What does this mean for you?• You cannot discuss anything you learn or

see about clients, residents, and/or patients in a healthcare facility

• You cannot look or read any patients’ medical records and files

• You can discuss information in a reflection session, with your YHSC Coordinator and/or without using identifying information

When should I ask for help?• If you are concerned about your own safety. • If you question a rule or a task you are being

asked to complete.• If you are asked to sign something that you

do not understand. • If something just does not feel right.• ANYTIME!

Summary: • It is okay to breach confidentiality if there is

a risk of danger to you or someone else.• HIPAA stands for Health Insurance

Portability and Accountability Act.• HIPAA provides privacy laws regarding

patient medical information and limits who can see a patient’s medical information.