Threats to the Confidentiality of Medical Records--No Place to Hide

Article Abstract:

Regulations proposed by the Department of Health and Human Services covering access to medical records do not go far enough in protecting patients' privacy. As of February, 2000, no federal legislation exists to protect medical records and many state laws are inadequate. The proposed regulations would allow many agencies, companies, and individuals to access medical records without the patient's consent. This would even include lawyers and law enforcement officers. One bright spot in the regulations is that medical records could not be sold or rented for marketing purposes without the patient's consent.

Editorial, Laws, regulations and rules

---

Medical records privacy a patient rights issue

Article Abstract:

A physician urged a group of corporate human resources managers to choose health plans that protect the confidentiality of patient records. Now that medical records are being computerized, the potential for abuse exists. Many people have a legitimate right to access patient records, but this should never be done without the patient's consent. Medical records can also be stripped of any identifying information or can be coded so the patient can be identified later. Patients may refuse to reveal information about their health if they believe their records will be accessed without their knowledge.

Civil rights

---

Law enforcement interviews of hospital patients: A conundrum for clinicians

Article Abstract:

Law enforcement interviews of hospital patients are a common but under recognized phenomenon in US medicine. Research is needed on the incidence, outcomes and specific risks of these interviews, with a goal of developing evidence-based guidelines for both physicians and police and hence, five principles are laid down to guide physicians and hospitals.

United States, Legal issues & crime, Management dynamics, Management, Company legal issue, Investigations, Hospital patients, Company business management, Law enforcement agencies

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Nurses and professional negligence. Confidentiality and the law
• Abstracts: Executives with white coats -- the work and world view of managed-care medical directors, part 2. Primary Care Physicians Should Be Coordinators, Not Gatekeepers
• Abstracts: Gynaecological cancer: guidance for nurses. Better quality of care for UGI cancer patients. Managing diabetes: retinopathy and foot ulcers
• Abstracts: National medical association centennial. Leaving concert hall for clinic, therapists now test music's 'charms'
• Abstracts: Testosterone Replacement and Resistance Exercise in HIV-Infected Men With Weight Loss and Low Testosterone Levels

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.