GET THAT HIPAA OFFA MY BACK!

Work has been busier than usual.  The odd thing about it is what is making it busier...odd isn't the correct word.  The CRAP that is making work busier would be correct terminology.   The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act  HIPAA...need I say more?  What that means is  to protect the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of electronic health information...so...we added an average of 6 more papers for our patients to read and sign when they come in to the hospital...actually anytime a patient is seen or heard they will have to fill out more paperwork.  This isn't just a state thing...this is all over.  Yesterday I was assisting an elderly patient who was to be prepped for a scope prodecure.  We usually have patients come in 2 hours ahead of their scheduled procedure so we can get the prep all done...sometimes it takes longer...it just depends.  It took her and I 45 of those precious 60 to get her paperwork done...and she was able to hear, see and sign her own papers!!!  I cannot imagine what amount of time it will take to help someone who cannot!!! 

Fines are steep and scary

Offense	Monetary Penalty	Term of Imprisonment
Single violation of a provision	$100	n/a
Multiple violations of a provision or a requirement	Up to $25,000	n/a
Wrongful disclosure of individually identifiable health information	Up to $50,000	Up to 1 year in federal prison
Wrongful disclosure of individually identifiable health information committed under false pretenses	Up to $100,000	Up to 5 years in federal prison
Wrongful disclosure of individually identifiable health information under false pretenses with intent to sell, transfer, or use for commercial advantage, personal gain, or malicious harm	Up to $250,000	U

I keep telling myself...I love my job...I love my job...this is what nursing is all about...after all.