What is HIPAA? A Brief ExplanationHIPAA is The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. The Act was signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1996. The aim of the Act is to ensure that employees who work for American companies can retain their health insurance coverage while moving to different jobs or positions. The Act also includes guidelines for protecting medical information and personal individual details, known as Protected Health Information (PHI). Show
HIPAA and PHIUnderstanding HIPAA is an integral part of working in any medical setting. HIPAA regulates virtually every aspect of the healthcare experience as a whole in America. The act includes provisions for health insurance coverage both while employed and when between jobs, paid/guaranteed leave; FMLA, the distribution of health and personal information (PHI). The regulation of covered entities (defined as any companies, groups, or individuals who come into contact with PHI); and medical billing. The most relevant part of the Act for an interpreter or member of the public who frequently works with interpreters is the Privacy Rule. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, the Privacy Rule (also known as the Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information) sets national standards for the protection of health and patient information. The rule applies to anyone with access to Protected Health Information. Protected Health Information (PHI) covers all the details that can be used to identify a patient. In addition to the first name, last name, address, birth date, demographics, and social security number, PHI includes:
So how does HIPAA affect a Medical Interpreter’s job on a daily basis?The goal of the Privacy Rule is to protect patient information and confidentiality. To limit the risk of non-compliance, a medical interpreter should always avoid:
RecommendationsIf an interpreter has questions about whether the information is protected by HIPAA; or if they need to report a significant detail and aren’t sure whether or not it’s classified as PHI, we recommend erring on the side of caution. The interpreter can speak with the clinician directly responsible for the patient’s case; in a private room with a closed door. No information can be discussed about any patient (s) outside of the assignment time boundaries. The only exception to this regulation is for information that falls under the guidelines of “Mandatory Reported Subjects”. Including if upon further reflection after the assignment the interpreter determines a patient might be a danger; to themselves or others. Reported or suspected sexual or physical abuse is another exception that must be discussed with the primary clinician at the first opportunity. If an interpreter is concerned that they have accidentally violated HIPAA, they must immediately contact their Interpreting Project Manager. The Project Manager will assess the situation and determine if further action is necessary. 6 Responses
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What can be done to communicate with a patient who speaks a different language?How to Communicate with Patients that Speak Another Language. Learn Some Polite Expressions and Key Phrases. 1Try learning a few phrases, such as “good morning” or “thank you” in the patient's native tongue. ... . Keep it Simple. ... . Use a Translator. ... . Be Culturally Sensitive. ... . Consider Learning a Second Language. ... . When Giving Bad News…. What are the guidelines for using an interpreter?Top 9 Guidelines for Working with an Interpreter. Consider Your Audience. ... . Give the Interpreter a Proper Brief. ... . Speak Directly to Your Guests. ... . Use Your Normal Tone of Voice. ... . Keep Your Speech Simple. ... . Don't Ignore Cultural Differences. ... . Make Room in the Program. ... . Make Sure Only One Person Speaks at a Time.. Who should not be used as an interpreter?The following people, however, should not serve as health care interpreters: patients' family and friends, children under 18 years old, other patients or visitors, and untrained volunteers. Introduce yourself to the interpreter.
Do professional interpreters improve clinical care for patients with limited English proficiency?Professional interpreters were associated with an overall improvement in care for patients with limited English proficiency.
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