This discussion is a review of the protected health information (PHI) regulatory requirement as advanced by the state of Florida, the federal government’s HHS, and the Joint Commission (TJC). I believe that this regulatory measure stemmed out of HIPAA (1996) requirement that facilities restructure their electronic exchange, security, and privacy initiatives concerning PHI. The HHS, therefore, would direct, through Sections 261-264, that hospitals publicize their adherence procedures pertaining these issues. The following is an analysis of these three entities.
The state of Florida, through Statute 456.057, advice that hospitals treat PHIs with the respect they deserve. Here, such information includes physical examinations, treatments, drug dispensation, and patient transfer among others. Though revised to meet HIPAA requirements, this regulation traces its existence back to 1951 when the State of Florida granted patients the power to access their PHIs. The law further directed that hospitals maintain the privacy and confidentiality of such records (Florida Legislature, 2016).
Second, the HHS, through the Privacy Rule requires that all facilities adhere to the elements advanced under HIPAA. Here, the government focuses on the collection and disclosure of PHI by health organizations, styled as covered entities. Thus, such entities a liable for any violations of privacy rights concerning PHIs. The department offers a roadmap for hospitals to assist in the implementation of I.T conscious PHI safety systems. The idea is to increase adherence, promote mindfulness, and treat patients with respect (HHS, 2016).
Finally, TJC fronts the PHI agenda through the Patient Safety Systems chapter and Sentinel Event Policy. Given these provisions, hospitals and ambulatory center centers should look into attaining improved care quality and patient safety. At any given time, such organizations should conduct a comprehensive evaluation aimed at reducing risk and monitoring the safety of PHIs. Their analysis could also look into patient protection in the event of a breach of information security (The Joint Commission, 2017).
References
Florida Legislature. (2016). The 2016 Florida Statutes. Retrieved from State of Florida Legislature: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0456/Sections/0456.057.html
HHS. (2016). Summary of the HIPAA Privacy Rule. Retrieved from U.S Department of Health and Human Services : https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/laws-regulations/index.html?language=es
The Joint Commission. (2017). Facts about patient safety. Retrieved from The Joint Commission: https://www.jointcommission.org/facts_about_patient_safety/
