Running Head: JOURNAL POST
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7-1 Journal: Release of Information
HIM 422
SNHU
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• There are several steps involved in the appropriate release of information. The
first step is the receipt of a request in order to release the information of a particular
patient. In order to make a request, a form needs to be filled out by the person
requesting the release of information. The request for the release of information needs to
be recorded by the healthcare organization. The second step is retrieving the protected
health information (PHI) of the patient. The third step is to check each and every page of
the information and ensure the safeguarding of the sensitive information of the patient.
The fourth step is the release of the protected health information of the patient. The fifth
and final step is to send the PHI through email or other digital platforms and complete
the request (Ahmadi-Javid et al., 2017).
In order to validate the disclosure and patient identification, it is important to check the
description of the PHI, verify the person making the authorization, view the purpose of
the disclosure, and check the signature of the person.
• There are several factors that determines whether an authorization is required or
not. One of the important factors is the purpose for which the information is being
released. For instance, if the protected health information of the patients is disclosed for
further treatment of the patient or healthcare operations or payment purposes, then
authorization may not be required. The person or entity requesting the protected health
information is an important factor that determines whether authorization is required or
not. For instance, if the information is required by the healthcare provider for treatment
purposes, then authorization may not be required.
• It is important for healthcare organizations to have a specific policy relating to the
release of information. It is vital as it will allow avoiding any kind of confusion or
ambiguity when requesting the release of information. It will provide the patients and
other people involved with a clear idea as to what information will be released, what is
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process they need to follow for the release of information, and other important
information (Ahmadi-Javid et al., 2017). The rights of the patients also need to be
involved in the policy. It is important because it will ensure that the family members of
a deceased patient can gain access to the protected health information without denial.
• The release of information in the healthcare setting is important in order to ensure
consistent delivery of quality care to the patients. It is important for other purposes such
as reporting, billing, as well as research. The proper release of information is vital to
make sure that the protected health information of the patients is in the right hands. It
prevents any kind of misuse of the health information of the patients. It also ensures that
the privacy of the patients is not compromised in any manner. One of the significant
consequences of release of information without proper authorization is the release of
confidential information of the patient, thereby compromising and affecting the privacy of
the patient.
• There are several aspects that must be present in the release of information policy
of a healthcare organization. In includes process of requesting the release of information,
rights of the patients, and expected time for receiving the information. However, it may
also contain other vital information.
References
Ahmadi-Javid, A., Seyedi, P., & Syam, S. S. (2017). A survey of healthcare facility
location. Computers & Operations Research, 79, 223-263.
