THE PRIVACY OF MEDICAL RECORDS AND OTHER INDVIDUALL IDENTIFIABLE HEALTH INFORMATION.

Confidentiality of this health information must be maintained at all times, and only to be disclosed with the express written consent of the patient or power of attorney. Non-individually identifiable health information (e.g. health information that cannot be linked to a specific patient) is not included within the definition of protected health information. An individual’s health information can be used for health purposes only.

a. Amaris Home Health Agency shall not publish or otherwise make generally available information or data that identifies a patient for purposes other than treatment, payment or other health operations, without his or her express written consent. Amaris Home Health Care Agency also maintains physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect individually identifiable health information.

b. Patient information may be used or disclosed only for purposes of health care treatment, payment, and operations. Health information cannot be used for purposes not related to health care without explicit authorization from the patient.

c. All individually identifiable health information shall be maintained by Amaris Home Health Care Agency in a confidential manner that prevents unauthorized or inadvertent disclosure to third parties.

There are serious penalties for violation of the confidentiality of health information. Please be advised of the following:

a. State laws impose criminal and civil penalties on individuals who misuse or disclose individually identifiable health information without explicit consent by the patient.

b. HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a piece of federallegislation that directly addresses the protection of confidential health information. HIPPAA provides for civil money mentalities up to $25,000 per person, per year for violations of patient confidentiality. HIPPA also provides for federal criminal penalties.

c. Any employee who violates the privacy and confidentiality of patient health information, through disclosure or otherwise, may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination of his or her employment with Amaris Home Health Care.

I have read and understand the policy on confidentiality, I agree to abide by this policy and uphold Home Health Care’s commitment and confidentiality.