AUC 334 Confidentialty, Use and Disclosure of patient health Information

Question 1

Firefighters responding to medical emergencies as Certified First Responders- Defibrillation (CFR-D) are providing patient care. Both their patient communications and the Patient Care Reports (PCRs) that they complete constitute patient health
information whose confidentiality must be maintained in accordance with the provisions of this policy and procedure. What shall not be used in routine fire reports about the patients involved?

Answer 1

6.5
The number of injured persons or types of injuries may be included in Fire Incident Reports or other routine reports or memoranda, but the names of the patients or other identifiable patient health information shall not be included in, or attached to such reports.

Question 2

The laws and regulations governing the confidentiality of patient health information are not intended to interfere with patient care. Patient health information may be disclosed to who in regards to Health Care Providers?

Answer 2

5.3.1
Patient health information may be disclosed to any and all persons involved in the patient’s care, whether they are health care providers,or family members or other persons providing patient care or lawfully making health care decisions for the patient.

Question 3

When Bystanders are around a scene how can we keep them from listening to our conversations in regards to patient care?

Answer 3

5.3.3
If circumstances allow, conversations
should be conducted in a muted tone of voice. Bystanders may be asked (directly or through a police officer or other person of authority) to step away from the patient to protect the patient’s privacy.

Question 4

All relevant patient health information may be disclosed to a law enforcement official at the scene of an emergency medical response, when do we not share patient information with law enforcement?

Answer 4

5.3.4 B.
In cases where the patient is a crime victim, or is suspected of being a crime victim, all relevant patient health information may be disclosed to a
law enforcement official at the scene of an emergency medical response, as necessary to alert law enforcement to the commission and nature of a crime; the location of such crime or of the victim of such crime; and the identity, description and location of the perpetrator of such crime. This provision does not apply in non-emergency situations.