Education Ethics Breach Assignment
a year ago 23
EthicsBreachASsignment.docx
Rubric-EthicsBreach.pdf
EthicsBreachASsignment.docx
Though technology, in its increasing ubiquity, largely serves to simplify and make more convenient many daily processes, the extent to which people use and are reliant on technology means that the potential for a vulnerable attack is also heightened. Health care technology has made massive strides in improving quality patient care, making telehealth more accessible to the masses, and cutting down on unnecessary costs. But the more data are digitized, the greater the probability of a breach.
Imagine a scenario of a company selling confidential consumer data from wearable fitness-tracking devices to health insurance companies. The regulatory agencies have determined that critical questions about corporate responsibility and the ethical implications of health information technology (HIT) may have been violated. At the corporate level, the incident underscores the need for robust governance mechanisms to ensure the protection of sensitive health data.
Ethically, this situation prompts a discussion on the principles guiding health information technology. The very purpose of wearable fitness-tracking devices is to empower individuals to monitor and manage their health. However, when the data collected is exploited for financial gains, ethical concerns arise. The unauthorized sale of consumer data violates these principles and raises questions about the accountability of technology companies in safeguarding the privacy of individuals.
This incident highlights the ethical dilemmas that arise as health care technology becomes more integrated into people's lives. The interplay between technology, corporate interests, and individual privacy protected by HIPAA, requires a comprehensive examination of governance structures and ethical frameworks. It also underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue and updates to policies and regulations to keep pace with the evolving landscape of health information technology.
In a paper of 500–750 words, address the following points:
1. How is this scenario an example of an ethics breach? Discuss the ethics of health care information technology use, patient protections, and governance regulation requirements.
2. What governance consequences at corporate, local, state, and federal levels might the companies face as a result of this breach?
3. Moving forward, what changes would the health insurance company need to implement in order to ensure that their communication with customers and corporations is respectful and confidential to ensure ongoing compliance with HIPAA?
4. How will a renewed commitment by the companies to honor the confidentiality of customer information serve to promote the common good? How is ethical decision-making within a business setting consistent with the Christian worldview (CWV)?
Rubric-EthicsBreach.pdf
8/3/25, 2:39 PM
Page 1 of 2about:srcdoc
Benchmark - Ethics Breach - Rubric Total 80 points
Criterion 1. Unsatisfactory 2. Insufficient 3. Approaching 4. Acceptable 5. Target
Ethics Breach and
Confidentiality Violation
Explanation of how the
scenario represents an
ethics breach, including a
discussion of the ethics of
health care information
technology use, patient
protections, and
governance regulation
requirements
0 points
Explanation of how the
scenario represents an
ethics breach, including a
discussion of the ethics of
health care information
technology use, patient
protections, and
governance regulation
requirements, is not
included.
9.36 points
Explanation of how the
scenario represents an
ethics breach, including a
discussion of the ethics of
health care information
technology use, patient
protections, and
governance regulation
requirements, is
incomplete or otherwise
deficient.
10.8 points
Explanation of how the
scenario represents an
ethics breach, including a
discussion of the ethics of
health care information
technology use, patient
protections, and
governance regulation
requirements, is present,
but only minimal detail or
support is provided.
12.24 points
Explanation of how the
scenario represents an
ethics breach, including a
discussion of the ethics of
health care information
technology use, patient
protections, and
governance regulation
requirements, is provided
with appropriate details
and support.
14.4 points
Explanation of how the
scenario represents an
ethics breach, including a
discussion of the ethics of
health care information
technology use, patient
protections, and
governance regulation
requirements, is
thoroughly explored and
clearly explained with
relevant details and
support.
Potential Consequences
Explanation of potential
consequences both
companies might face as a
result of the breach at
corporate, local/state, and
federal levels
0 points
Explanation of potential
corporate, local/state, and
federal consequences both
companies might face as a
result of the breach is not
included.
8.84 points
Explanation of potential
corporate, local/state, and
federal consequences both
companies might face as a
result of the breach is
incomplete or otherwise
deficient.
10.2 points
Explanation of potential
corporate, local/state, and
federal consequences both
companies might face as a
result of the breach is
present, but only minimal
detail or support is
provided.
11.56 points
Explanation of potential
corporate, local/state, and
federal consequences both
companies might face as a
result of the breach is
provided with appropriate
details and support.
13.6 points
Explanation of potential
corporate, local/state, and
federal consequences both
companies might face as a
result of the breach is
thoroughly explored and
clearly explained with
relevant details and
support.
Communication Changes
Needed to Be HIPAA
Compliant (B)
Explanation of the changes
the health insurance
company would need to
implement to ensure its
communications with
customers and
corporations are
respectful, are confidential,
and continued to comply
with HIPAA (C2.3)
0 points
Explanation of the changes
the health insurance
company would need to
implement to ensure its
communications with
customers and
corporations are
respectful, are confidential,
and continued to comply
with HIPAA is not included.
8.84 points
Explanation of the changes
the health insurance
company would need to
implement to ensure its
communications with
customers and
corporations are
respectful, are confidential,
and continued to comply
with HIPAA is incomplete
or otherwise deficient.
10.2 points
Explanation of the changes
the health insurance
company would need to
implement to ensure its
communications with
customers and
corporations are
respectful, are confidential,
and continued to comply
with HIPAA is present, but
only minimal detail or
support is provided.
11.56 points
Explanation of the changes
the health insurance
company would need to
implement to ensure its
communications with
customers and
corporations are
respectful, are confidential,
and continued to comply
with HIPAA is provided with
appropriate details and
support.
13.6 points
Explanation of the changes
the health insurance
company would need to
implement to ensure its
communications with
customers and
corporations are
respectful, are confidential,
and continued to comply
with HIPAA is thoroughly
explored and clearly
explained with relevant
details and support.
Ethical Decision Making
Exploration of how ethical
decision-making and a
renewed commitment to
customer confidentiality
serve to promote the
common good, including
how ethical decision-
making aligns within a
business setting is
consistent with the
Christian worldview
0 points
Exploration of how ethical
decision-making and a
renewed commitment to
customer confidentiality
serve to promote the
common good, including
how ethical decision-
making aligns within a
business setting is
consistent with the
Christian worldview, is not
included.
9.36 points
Exploration of how ethical
decision-making and a
renewed commitment to
customer confidentiality
serve to promote the
common good, including
how ethical decision-
making aligns within a
business setting is
consistent with the
Christian worldview, is
incomplete or otherwise
deficient.
10.8 points
Exploration of how ethical
decision-making and a
renewed commitment to
customer confidentiality
serve to promote the
common good, including
how ethical decision-
making aligns within a
business setting is
consistent with the
Christian worldview, is
provided.
12.24 points
Exploration of how ethical
decision-making and a
renewed commitment to
customer confidentiality
serve to promote the
common good, including
how ethical decision-
making aligns within a
business setting is
consistent with the
Christian worldview, is
provided with appropriate
details and support.
14.4 points
Exploration of how ethical
decision-making and a
renewed commitment to
customer confidentiality
serve to promote the
common good, including
how ethical decision-
making aligns within a
business setting is
consistent with the
Christian worldview, is
thoroughly explored and
clearly explained with
relevant details and
support.
Thesis, Position, or
Purpose
Communicates reason for
writing and demonstrates
0 points
The thesis, position, or
purpose is not discernible.
No awareness of the
3.12 points
The thesis, position, or
purpose is unfocused or
confused. There is very
3.6 points
The thesis, position, or
purpose is discernable in
most aspects but is
4.08 points
The thesis, position, or
purpose is adequately
presented. An awareness
4.8 points
The thesis, position, or
purpose is clearly
communicated throughout
8/3/25, 2:39 PM
Page 2 of 2about:srcdoc
awareness of audience. appropriate audience is
evident.
little awareness of the
intended audience.
occasionally weak or
unclear. There is limited
awareness of the
appropriate audience.
of the appropriate
audience is demonstrated.
and clearly directed to a
specific audience.
Development, Structure,
and Conclusion
Advances position or
purpose throughout
writing; conclusion aligns
to and evolves from
development.
0 points
No advancement of the
thesis, position, or purpose
is evident. Connections
between paragraphs are
missing or inappropriate.
No conclusion is offered.
3.12 points
Writing lacks logical
progression of the thesis,
position, or purpose. Some
organization is attempted,
but ideas are disconnected.
Conclusion is unclear and
not supported by the
overall development of the
purpose.
3.6 points
Limited advancement of
thesis, position, or purpose
is discernable. There are
inconsistencies in
organization or the
relationship of ideas.
Conclusion is simplistic and
not fully aligned to the
development of the
purpose.
4.08 points
The thesis, position, or
purpose is advanced in
most aspects. Ideas clearly
build on each other.
Conclusion aligns to the
development of the
purpose.
4.8 points
The thesis, position, or
purpose is logically
advanced throughout. The
progression of ideas is
coherent and unified. A
clear and logical conclusion
aligns to the development
of the purpose.
Evidence
Selects and integrates
evidence to support and
advance position/purpose;
considers other
perspectives.
0 points
Evidence to support the
thesis, position, or purpose
is absent. The writing relies
entirely on the perspective
of the writer.
4.16 points
Evidence is limited or
irrelevant. The
interpretation of other
perspectives is superficial
or incorrect.
4.8 points
Evidence is used but is
insufficient or of limited
relevance. Simplistic
explanation or integration
of other perspectives is
present.
5.44 points
Relevant evidence that
includes other perspectives
is used.
6.4 points
Specific and appropriate
evidence is included.
Relevant perspectives of
others are clearly
considered.
Mechanics of Writing
Includes spelling,
capitalization, punctuation,
grammar, language use,
sentence structure, etc.
0 points
Errors in grammar or
syntax are pervasive and
impede meaning. Incorrect
language choice or
sentence structure errors
are found throughout.
2.6 points
Frequent and repetitive
mechanical errors are
present. Inconsistencies in
language choice or
sentence structure are
recurrent.
3 points
Occasional mechanical
errors are present.
Language choice is
generally appropriate.
Varied sentence structure
is attempted.
3.4 points
Few mechanical errors are
present. Suitable language
choice and sentence
structure are used.
4 points
No mechanical errors are
present. Appropriate
language choice and
sentence structure are
used throughout.
Documentation of
Sources
Documentation of Sources
(citations, footnotes,
references, bibliography,
etc., as appropriate to
assignment and style)
0 points
Sources are not
documented.
2.6 points
Documentation of sources
is inconsistent or incorrect,
as appropriate to
assignment and style, with
numerous formatting
errors.
3 points
Sources are documented,
as appropriate to
assignment and style,
although some formatting
errors may be present.
3.4 points
Sources are documented,
as appropriate to
assignment and style, and
format is mostly correct.
4 points
Sources are completely
and correctly documented,
as appropriate to
assignment and style, and
format is free of error.
© 2025. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
EthicsBreachASsignment.docx
Though technology, in its increasing ubiquity, largely serves to simplify and make more convenient many daily processes, the extent to which people use and are reliant on technology means that the potential for a vulnerable attack is also heightened. Health care technology has made massive strides in improving quality patient care, making telehealth more accessible to the masses, and cutting down on unnecessary costs. But the more data are digitized, the greater the probability of a breach.
Imagine a scenario of a company selling confidential consumer data from wearable fitness-tracking devices to health insurance companies. The regulatory agencies have determined that critical questions about corporate responsibility and the ethical implications of health information technology (HIT) may have been violated. At the corporate level, the incident underscores the need for robust governance mechanisms to ensure the protection of sensitive health data.
Ethically, this situation prompts a discussion on the principles guiding health information technology. The very purpose of wearable fitness-tracking devices is to empower individuals to monitor and manage their health. However, when the data collected is exploited for financial gains, ethical concerns arise. The unauthorized sale of consumer data violates these principles and raises questions about the accountability of technology companies in safeguarding the privacy of individuals.
This incident highlights the ethical dilemmas that arise as health care technology becomes more integrated into people's lives. The interplay between technology, corporate interests, and individual privacy protected by HIPAA, requires a comprehensive examination of governance structures and ethical frameworks. It also underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue and updates to policies and regulations to keep pace with the evolving landscape of health information technology.
In a paper of 500–750 words, address the following points:
1. How is this scenario an example of an ethics breach? Discuss the ethics of health care information technology use, patient protections, and governance regulation requirements.
2. What governance consequences at corporate, local, state, and federal levels might the companies face as a result of this breach?
3. Moving forward, what changes would the health insurance company need to implement in order to ensure that their communication with customers and corporations is respectful and confidential to ensure ongoing compliance with HIPAA?
4. How will a renewed commitment by the companies to honor the confidentiality of customer information serve to promote the common good? How is ethical decision-making within a business setting consistent with the Christian worldview (CWV)?
Rubric-EthicsBreach.pdf
8/3/25, 2:39 PM
Page 1 of 2about:srcdoc
Benchmark - Ethics Breach - Rubric Total 80 points
Criterion 1. Unsatisfactory 2. Insufficient 3. Approaching 4. Acceptable 5. Target
Ethics Breach and
Confidentiality Violation
Explanation of how the
scenario represents an
ethics breach, including a
discussion of the ethics of
health care information
technology use, patient
protections, and
governance regulation
requirements
0 points
Explanation of how the
scenario represents an
ethics breach, including a
discussion of the ethics of
health care information
technology use, patient
protections, and
governance regulation
requirements, is not
included.
9.36 points
Explanation of how the
scenario represents an
ethics breach, including a
discussion of the ethics of
health care information
technology use, patient
protections, and
governance regulation
requirements, is
incomplete or otherwise
deficient.
10.8 points
Explanation of how the
scenario represents an
ethics breach, including a
discussion of the ethics of
health care information
technology use, patient
protections, and
governance regulation
requirements, is present,
but only minimal detail or
support is provided.
12.24 points
Explanation of how the
scenario represents an
ethics breach, including a
discussion of the ethics of
health care information
technology use, patient
protections, and
governance regulation
requirements, is provided
with appropriate details
and support.
14.4 points
Explanation of how the
scenario represents an
ethics breach, including a
discussion of the ethics of
health care information
technology use, patient
protections, and
governance regulation
requirements, is
thoroughly explored and
clearly explained with
relevant details and
support.
Potential Consequences
Explanation of potential
consequences both
companies might face as a
result of the breach at
corporate, local/state, and
federal levels
0 points
Explanation of potential
corporate, local/state, and
federal consequences both
companies might face as a
result of the breach is not
included.
8.84 points
Explanation of potential
corporate, local/state, and
federal consequences both
companies might face as a
result of the breach is
incomplete or otherwise
deficient.
10.2 points
Explanation of potential
corporate, local/state, and
federal consequences both
companies might face as a
result of the breach is
present, but only minimal
detail or support is
provided.
11.56 points
Explanation of potential
corporate, local/state, and
federal consequences both
companies might face as a
result of the breach is
provided with appropriate
details and support.
13.6 points
Explanation of potential
corporate, local/state, and
federal consequences both
companies might face as a
result of the breach is
thoroughly explored and
clearly explained with
relevant details and
support.
Communication Changes
Needed to Be HIPAA
Compliant (B)
Explanation of the changes
the health insurance
company would need to
implement to ensure its
communications with
customers and
corporations are
respectful, are confidential,
and continued to comply
with HIPAA (C2.3)
0 points
Explanation of the changes
the health insurance
company would need to
implement to ensure its
communications with
customers and
corporations are
respectful, are confidential,
and continued to comply
with HIPAA is not included.
8.84 points
Explanation of the changes
the health insurance
company would need to
implement to ensure its
communications with
customers and
corporations are
respectful, are confidential,
and continued to comply
with HIPAA is incomplete
or otherwise deficient.
10.2 points
Explanation of the changes
the health insurance
company would need to
implement to ensure its
communications with
customers and
corporations are
respectful, are confidential,
and continued to comply
with HIPAA is present, but
only minimal detail or
support is provided.
11.56 points
Explanation of the changes
the health insurance
company would need to
implement to ensure its
communications with
customers and
corporations are
respectful, are confidential,
and continued to comply
with HIPAA is provided with
appropriate details and
support.
13.6 points
Explanation of the changes
the health insurance
company would need to
implement to ensure its
communications with
customers and
corporations are
respectful, are confidential,
and continued to comply
with HIPAA is thoroughly
explored and clearly
explained with relevant
details and support.
Ethical Decision Making
Exploration of how ethical
decision-making and a
renewed commitment to
customer confidentiality
serve to promote the
common good, including
how ethical decision-
making aligns within a
business setting is
consistent with the
Christian worldview
0 points
Exploration of how ethical
decision-making and a
renewed commitment to
customer confidentiality
serve to promote the
common good, including
how ethical decision-
making aligns within a
business setting is
consistent with the
Christian worldview, is not
included.
9.36 points
Exploration of how ethical
decision-making and a
renewed commitment to
customer confidentiality
serve to promote the
common good, including
how ethical decision-
making aligns within a
business setting is
consistent with the
Christian worldview, is
incomplete or otherwise
deficient.
10.8 points
Exploration of how ethical
decision-making and a
renewed commitment to
customer confidentiality
serve to promote the
common good, including
how ethical decision-
making aligns within a
business setting is
consistent with the
Christian worldview, is
provided.
12.24 points
Exploration of how ethical
decision-making and a
renewed commitment to
customer confidentiality
serve to promote the
common good, including
how ethical decision-
making aligns within a
business setting is
consistent with the
Christian worldview, is
provided with appropriate
details and support.
14.4 points
Exploration of how ethical
decision-making and a
renewed commitment to
customer confidentiality
serve to promote the
common good, including
how ethical decision-
making aligns within a
business setting is
consistent with the
Christian worldview, is
thoroughly explored and
clearly explained with
relevant details and
support.
Thesis, Position, or
Purpose
Communicates reason for
writing and demonstrates
0 points
The thesis, position, or
purpose is not discernible.
No awareness of the
3.12 points
The thesis, position, or
purpose is unfocused or
confused. There is very
3.6 points
The thesis, position, or
purpose is discernable in
most aspects but is
4.08 points
The thesis, position, or
purpose is adequately
presented. An awareness
4.8 points
The thesis, position, or
purpose is clearly
communicated throughout
8/3/25, 2:39 PM
Page 2 of 2about:srcdoc
awareness of audience. appropriate audience is
evident.
little awareness of the
intended audience.
occasionally weak or
unclear. There is limited
awareness of the
appropriate audience.
of the appropriate
audience is demonstrated.
and clearly directed to a
specific audience.
Development, Structure,
and Conclusion
Advances position or
purpose throughout
writing; conclusion aligns
to and evolves from
development.
0 points
No advancement of the
thesis, position, or purpose
is evident. Connections
between paragraphs are
missing or inappropriate.
No conclusion is offered.
3.12 points
Writing lacks logical
progression of the thesis,
position, or purpose. Some
organization is attempted,
but ideas are disconnected.
Conclusion is unclear and
not supported by the
overall development of the
purpose.
3.6 points
Limited advancement of
thesis, position, or purpose
is discernable. There are
inconsistencies in
organization or the
relationship of ideas.
Conclusion is simplistic and
not fully aligned to the
development of the
purpose.
4.08 points
The thesis, position, or
purpose is advanced in
most aspects. Ideas clearly
build on each other.
Conclusion aligns to the
development of the
purpose.
4.8 points
The thesis, position, or
purpose is logically
advanced throughout. The
progression of ideas is
coherent and unified. A
clear and logical conclusion
aligns to the development
of the purpose.
Evidence
Selects and integrates
evidence to support and
advance position/purpose;
considers other
perspectives.
0 points
Evidence to support the
thesis, position, or purpose
is absent. The writing relies
entirely on the perspective
of the writer.
4.16 points
Evidence is limited or
irrelevant. The
interpretation of other
perspectives is superficial
or incorrect.
4.8 points
Evidence is used but is
insufficient or of limited
relevance. Simplistic
explanation or integration
of other perspectives is
present.
5.44 points
Relevant evidence that
includes other perspectives
is used.
6.4 points
Specific and appropriate
evidence is included.
Relevant perspectives of
others are clearly
considered.
Mechanics of Writing
Includes spelling,
capitalization, punctuation,
grammar, language use,
sentence structure, etc.
0 points
Errors in grammar or
syntax are pervasive and
impede meaning. Incorrect
language choice or
sentence structure errors
are found throughout.
2.6 points
Frequent and repetitive
mechanical errors are
present. Inconsistencies in
language choice or
sentence structure are
recurrent.
3 points
Occasional mechanical
errors are present.
Language choice is
generally appropriate.
Varied sentence structure
is attempted.
3.4 points
Few mechanical errors are
present. Suitable language
choice and sentence
structure are used.
4 points
No mechanical errors are
present. Appropriate
language choice and
sentence structure are
used throughout.
Documentation of
Sources
Documentation of Sources
(citations, footnotes,
references, bibliography,
etc., as appropriate to
assignment and style)
0 points
Sources are not
documented.
2.6 points
Documentation of sources
is inconsistent or incorrect,
as appropriate to
assignment and style, with
numerous formatting
errors.
3 points
Sources are documented,
as appropriate to
assignment and style,
although some formatting
errors may be present.
3.4 points
Sources are documented,
as appropriate to
assignment and style, and
format is mostly correct.
4 points
Sources are completely
and correctly documented,
as appropriate to
assignment and style, and
format is free of error.
© 2025. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.