FINAL Global Module 10-11.pdf - AaronsWorld.com

IV. CONFIDENTIALITY, MEDICAL RECORDS,
AND TREATMENT OF MINORS
CONFIDENTIALITY
As a healthcare facility, the Bastyr Center for Natural Health is a member of the public trust. To
preserve this trust, Bastyr University is committed to the highest standards of confidentiality. Breaches
of these policies can permanently jeopardize any individual’s position at Bastyr. Further, Bastyr
University clinics are in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of
1996 (HIPAA), a federal law mandating specific requirements with respect to patient privacy.
CONFIDENTIALITY POLICIES
Clinicians handle personal and sensitive medical information in the course of providing care to patients.
It is the responsibility of all faculty members and student clinicians to conduct themselves in a
professional manner and abide by the clinic’s confidentiality policies. Clinicians who are unclear about
a policy or procedure are to utilize the resources available to them to clarify any misunderstanding they
might have. Moreover, clinicians have a responsibility to intervene or report policy violations or
wrongful disclosures when and if it is known to them. Unprofessional practices reflect poorly on
everyone at the clinic, and in their profession. It can also damage the clinic’s relationship with patients,
and put the institution at legal and financial risk, including substantial penalties under federal law
(HIPAA). Direct all questions related to medical records or confidentiality policies to the Medical
Records Office at (206) 834-4151. Bastyr is dedicated to upholding the professional standards of the
medical community as well as ensuring the safety and well-being of all its patients.
BREACHES OF POLICY
Clinicians who violate clinic confidentiality policies will be subject to disciplinary action. Depending
on the circumstances and severity of the violation, student clinicians can be subject to any or all of the
following: loss of clinic credit, a failure event, or suspension or dismissal from the university.
DE-IDENTIFICATION POLICY
The following de-identification guidelines are to protect patient confidentiality. All notes taken down
by students for self-study and all case summaries submitted for publication in the Bastyr Center for
Natural Health Journal must adhere to these guidelines.
No full-face photographic images or comparable images may be used.
Note: Partial pictures showing unique tattoos or piercings may not be appropriate. When in doubt,
check with the Medical Director regarding the use of images in any publication.
Omit the names of any of the following parties:
o Patient
o Patient’s relatives
o Patient’s employer(s)
o Patient’s household members
o Known close acquaintances*
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