Even Though You Have Access (Video)

Even though you have access to the patients' personal private medical information, you shouldn't look at it. 

HIPAA is drummed into those of us who work in the medical field, but for some people, the fear of fines and possible jail time doesn't scare them. 

Celebrities and the Unit Secretary (Video)

When the news broke early Friday morning that President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were both diagnosed with the Coronavirus, people worldwide were concerned. 

When the President was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, people worldwide become troubled. 

Unit Secretaries must remember that President Trump, the leader of the free world, is also a celebrity and a person. His medical information and privacy should be everyone's number one priority. 

Jussie Smollett, HIPAA and the Unit Secretary (Video)

HIPAA is something that all Health Unit Coordinators have had 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.

HIPAA and the Health Unit Coordinator (Video)

HIPAA is something that all Health Unit Coordinators have had 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.

So even though we all know what HIPAA is, there are two things to be aware of when you are working.

Knowingly violating HIPAA and being asked to violate HIPAA.

How? 

Watch the video below.