Running Head: JOURNAL POST
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7-1 Journal: Release of Information
HIM 422
SNHU
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• There are a number of 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 a number of 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 process they need
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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 consequence 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 a number of 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.
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References
Ahmadi-Javid, A., Seyedi, P., & Syam, S. S. (2017). A survey of healthcare facility location.
Computers & Operations Research, 79, 223-263.
