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
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and other people involved with a clear idea as to what information will be released,
what is 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 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.
