Home Forums Discussions General Discussion Consent to disclose health information

In our new patient paper packet, we have a consent form listing the "hippa released" people that we can discuss HIPPA information with. This is periodically updated by the patient and can be confusing to track. Where and how is this properly documented in AC?

I am aware of the Next Of Kin tab in the demographics. Is this where the release is documented?
If so, what if the husband is the next of kin, but the patient does not desire that information is released to him? How is this indicated?

Thanks in advanced,
Jay

Probably the best way to do it is also problematic. Ironically, it is likely not HIPAA compliant. But, in the scenario you describe, it would seem a lot of this would be on the telephone. And, you don't really have time to go into the chart for this. Plus, you will forget many times. But, if you enter the names on the popup note in demographics, they will show up at the bottom left when you highlight the name in the patient list.

The problem may be that if there are multiple names or even one name, someone may be able to see that name who shouldn't. Not completely sure why seeing the name would be a confidentiality issue, but I could also see where it would be.

Another, safer way, would be to put initials or even a number there so you would know there were three people to exclude or allow. You could then put those names anywhere in the chart or in the yellow box at the top of the MRE.

I hate doing this, but I hope your form actually is spelled HIPAA. Sorry, I am sure it is.