Full transcript
0:05HIPPA isn't just a guideline or a
0:07suggestion. It's a federal law and it
0:10comes with real serious consequences if
0:12it's [music] ignored. As an MA, you will
0:15handle highly sensitive PHI daily. So,
0:19what happens when that PHI isn't
0:20safeguarded?
0:22There are two types of consequences for
0:25the medical professional or entity and
0:27for the patient.
0:29For the medical professional or entity,
0:31consequences are severe. Professional
0:34disciplinary action violations can
0:36result in retraining, suspension, or
0:39even termination.
0:41Even one mistake, if serious enough, can
0:43impact your career. Civil or criminal
0:46consequences. Anyone who knowingly and
0:49wrongfully accesses or discloses PHI,
0:52can be held personally responsible. In
0:55severe cases, especially if information
0:57is used for harm or personal gain,
1:00individuals may face felony charges.
1:04Heavy financial penalties. Fines can
1:06reach into the hundreds of thousands or
1:08even millions of dollars. These fines
1:10can damage the organization and affect
1:12its ability to provide patient care.
1:15Malpractice claims. If a privacy failure
1:18harms a patient financially or
1:20emotionally, the practice may face legal
1:22action outside of HIPPA. In addition to
1:25this, we also must remember the impact
1:27on patients. Identity theft or financial
1:30harm. PHI includes details like
1:33insurance and social security numbers. A
1:35breach can lead to fraudulent bills or
1:38identity theft. Safety risks. Releasing
1:41sensitive information like a patient's
1:43location may put victims of stalking or
1:46domestic violence in immediate danger.
1:49Damage to employment or social
1:51relationships. If diagnosises like
1:54mental health conditions, reproductive
1:55care details, or HIV status are revealed
1:58without permission, it can negatively
2:01affect the patients life. All of these
2:03consequences reinforce something
2:05important. HIPPA compliance isn't
2:08optional. It's the foundation of safe,
2:11legal, and ethical healthcare.
2:14Remember, when you safeguard PHI, you're
2:17doing more than following the law.
2:18You're building trust, protecting your
2:20practice, and upholding the dignity of
2:23every patient who walks through the
2:24door.