Full transcript
0:05In a [music] busy clinical environment,
0:07every action has compliance
0:09implications. As an MA, you are
0:12constantly balancing two major
0:13responsibilities. Safety under OSHA and
0:16privacy under HIPPA. Think of it as a
0:19quick two-step mental check you use all
0:21day long. Before you touch a record or
0:24throw something away, ask yourself, is
0:27this a physical hazard?
0:29Is this confidential information? If the
0:32answer to either question is yes, you
0:35have a regulated item that requires
0:37specific procedures.
0:39Let's start with an easy example. This
0:41is clearly a physical hazard. Under the
0:44OSHA bloodborne pathogen standard, used
0:47sharps must be placed in a puncture
0:49proof, leakp proof, clearly labeled
0:51sharps container immediately after use.
0:54If you see a sharp that hasn't been
0:56disposed of, d your PPE and immediately
0:59dispose of the hazard.
1:04This isn't optional. It's a safety
1:06action that protects you and your
1:08co-workers and your patients from
1:09bloodborne pathogens and accidental
1:12injuries.
1:14Now, let's switch to something that
1:15doesn't look dangerous. It's just paper,
1:18right? Not quite. It contains protected
1:20health information, which means HIPPA
1:23applies. This form can be tossed into a
1:26general trash can or left on a desk. It
1:29must be secured, and when it's time for
1:31disposal, it must be shredded or placed
1:33in a designated confidential disposal
1:35bin. That's a privacy action, just as
1:39important as any safety procedure.
1:43Now, for the big one. What would you do
1:46about a blood soaked dressing labeled
1:48with patient information? This single
1:51item is both a biohazard and protected
1:53health information.
1:55So, what should you do? The dual
1:58compliance steps are simple but vital.
2:01Step one, recognize that both OSHA and
2:03HIPPA standards apply.
2:06Step two, protect yourself. Always put
2:09on appropriate PPE and handle the item
2:12appropriately to avoid contact with
2:14blood or bodily fluids. In this case,
2:17there's only a small amount of blood on
2:19the bandage, so there's no risk of
2:20splashing or dripping. Gloves are all
2:23you need. Step three, contain the
2:26biohazard properly. Place the dressing
2:29directly into a red biohazard bag or
2:31container.
2:33Step four, protect the patients privacy.
2:36Even though the item is being managed as
2:38medical waste, the PHI on it still
2:40matters. Ensure the item is fully inside
2:42the sealed container so names or labels
2:45are not visible. Step five, dispose of
2:48it according to facility rules. Follow
2:50the rules as set out by your clinic or
2:53facility. Once it's in the correct
2:55container, do not reopen, rummage
2:57through, or attempt to remove PHI
2:59labels. Step six, perform hand hygiene
3:03and document if required. After
3:05disposal, remove PPE safely and wash
3:07your hands. If the item was involved in
3:10a spill, exposure, or unusual situation,
3:13follow your facility's reporting
3:15procedures.
3:16This dual risk assessment helps you
3:18prevent injuries, protect patient
3:20privacy, and maintain full legal
3:22compliance by using this simple two
3:25question checklist. Is it hazardous and
3:28is it confidential? You ensure safe,
3:31ethical, and trustworthy care, one
3:34action at a time.