discusion_response_mod1.docxRespond to the following
Gathering of Relevant Information-post 1
Actions for Gathering of Relevant Information-post 1
Sheila Chase posted Oct 19, 2016 11:45 AM
The first three steps as I begin my investigation would be to:
-Conduct research on tuberculosis and if there are education materials in the facility for the staff
-Conduct research on disclosure requirements for those who came in contact to ensure protocol was followed
-Conduct interviews to determine privacy violation and disparate treatment
-Interview Sara
-Interview Co-workers and Supervisor
-Interview Human Resource Staff
-Interview Aide with similar symptoms
I would conduct research on tuberculosis and provide educational materials to ensure that the staff understood contraction after treatment and to deter further ostracizing of Sara. This may also be conducive to the staff to alleviate any fear that they may have of contraction. I would want to understand the process of notification of individuals who came in to contact with Sara prior to conducting any interviews. Once I understand the process I would conduct interviews to determine how the information was disclosed and if it was within protocol or violation of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2016). Tuberculosis (TB).
Menu of Suggested Provisions For State Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Laws. Mandated Reporting. Retrieved fromhttp://www.cdc.gov/tb/programs/Laws/menu/caseid.htm
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2016). HIPPA for Professionals. Summary of the HIPPA Privacy Rule. Retrieved fromhttp://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/laws-regulations/index.html
Respond to the following
Gathering Relevant Information-post 2
Actions for Gathering Relevant Information-post 2
Sheila Chase posted Oct 25, 2016 11:41 AM
Since it has been months we could presume that the Home Health Care Agency reported the TB case to the Health Department because the timeframe for reporting is within 24 hours of any suspected or confirmed case of tuberculosis (CDC, 2016).
I agree with Clay that conducting interviews will allow interviewers to receive the facts from both sides, including the newly sick employee and to compile an accurate timeline and gain a better understanding of the possible PHI breach. The authorized disclosure of information is when the health care provider must report any screening of contacts, with the names and addresses and results of the screening tests of the contacts, to the local health department (CDC, 2016). Castor states that The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services outlines the policy for employers that allows them to ask for information if it pertains to an employee’s health that may require them to take sick leave for an extended period. However, employers will not be able to receive information directly from an employee’s primary care provider unless that employee has authorized their physician to disclose information to their employer. Sonya adds that since another employee is reportedly having the symptoms as Sara I would then involve a neighboring local or state health department to assist with the outbreak response. The Health Department would determine whether to conduct a contact investigation (CDC, 2016).
The education portion provided to the employees at the Home Health Agency would be to refer them to the [Health & Safety] Code § 121361 where it states, that a healthcare facility shall not discharge or release a person known to have active tuberculosis disease, or who the medical staff of the health facility or of the penal institution has reasonable grounds to believe has active tuberculosis disease, unless notification and a written treatment plan pursuant to [statutory provision requiring disease notification report to local health officer, including an individual treatment plan] has been received by the local health officer. When prior notification would jeopardize the person’s health, the public safety, or the safety and security of the penal institution, the notification and treatment plan shall be submitted within 24 hours of discharge, release, or transfer” (CDC, 2016).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2016). Tuberculosis (TB). Menu of Suggested Provisions For State Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Laws. Mandated Reporting. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/tb/programs/Laws/menu/caseid.htm
