What happens when unauthorized users gain access to phi?

1. What is unauthorized accessing of PHI?
2. What are the risks if PHI collected for the purposes of this study were released to an unauthorized party?
3. What happens if PHI is not safeguarded?
4. Which of the following describes any unauthorized acquisition access use or disclosure of PHI that compromises the security or privacy of such information?
5. What are the consequences of accessing a patient chart without reason?
6. What measures should the researchers take to ensure that all of the participants information remains confidential?
7. Is informed consent required?
8. What is the biggest privacy concern arising from the use of data linkage between De identified or anonymized databases?
9. What happens if a privacy violation is discovered?
10. Under what circumstances can a physician disclose PHI?
11. What happens if PHI is leaked?
12. What happens if you violate HIPAA?
13. Can I sue for HIPAA violation?

What is unauthorized accessing of PHI?

Unauthorized access to patient medical records occurs when an individual who lacks authorization, permission, or other legal authority, accesses data, including protected health information (PHI), contained in patient medical records.

What are the risks if PHI collected for the purposes of this study were released to an unauthorized party?

Unauthorized access to personal health information may cause irreparable damage to the reputation of custodians and their agents, as well as to the relationships they have with individuals who have entrusted them with their personal health information.

What happens if PHI is not safeguarded?

If PHI security is compromised in a healthcare data breach, the notification process is essential. However, the HIPAA breach notification rule states that when unsecured PHI is compromised, then covered entities and their business associates need to notify potentially affected parties.

Which of the following describes any unauthorized acquisition access use or disclosure of PHI that compromises the security or privacy of such information?

What is a breach? Under HIPAA, a breach is defined as “the unauthorized acquisition, access, use or disclosure of protected health information (PHI) which compromises the security or privacy of such information.”

What are the consequences of accessing a patient chart without reason?

A Jail-Time Sentence

The worst possible consequence you could face for accessing a patient chart without a reason is that you face a jail sentence.

What measures should the researchers take to ensure that all of the participants information remains confidential?

Researchers employ a number of methods to keep their subjects' identity confidential. Foremost, they keep their records secure through the use of password protected files, encryption when sending information over the internet, and even old-fashioned locked doors and drawers.

Is informed consent required?

Informed consent is mandatory for all clinical trials involving human beings. The consent process must respect the patient's ability to make decisions and adhere the individual hospital rules for clinical studies.

What is the biggest privacy concern arising from the use of data linkage between De identified or anonymized databases?

In particular, linkage of de-identified or anonymized databases may permit re-identification of individuals.

What happens if a privacy violation is discovered?

If an uncorrected HIPAA violation is discovered during an investigation of a complaint, a data breach or HIPAA audit, the HHS' Office for Civil Rights may choose to pursue a financial settlement to resolve the violation.

Under what circumstances can a physician disclose PHI?

We may disclose your PHI, if authorized by law, to a person who may have been exposed to a communicable disease or may otherwise be at risk of contracting or spreading the disease or condition.

What happens if PHI is leaked?

Following a breach of unsecured protected health information, covered entities must provide notification of the breach to affected individuals, the Secretary, and, in certain circumstances, to the media. In addition, business associates must notify covered entities if a breach occurs at or by the business associate.

What happens if you violate HIPAA?

The minimum fine for willful violations of HIPAA Rules is $50,000. The maximum criminal penalty for a HIPAA violation by an individual is $250,000. Restitution may also need to be paid to the victims. In addition to the financial penalty, a jail term is likely for a criminal violation of HIPAA Rules.

Can I sue for HIPAA violation?

No, you cannot sue anyone directly for HIPAA violations. HIPAA rules do not have any private cause of action (sometimes called "private right of action") under federal law.