Discussion Post: HIPAA, Patient Rights, and Medical Social Worker Dilemmas
Post a brief description of a medical social worker's responsibilities, under HIPAA guidelines, that apply to the case you selected. Describe the rights of the person making the inquiry, and explain how you as a medical social worker should respond. Then, describe the rights of the patient and the actions you might consider to safeguard your patient's information. Briefly describe your professional responsibilities to protect your patient.
Chosen case study
You are a medical social worker in an outpatient clinic at a major teaching hospital. A woman shows up at the clinic who claims she is one of your patient's sisters. She states, "I am here to find out whether my brother George has been coming to his appointments. I am very worried because he is so sick and does not seem to be getting better. All I want to do is help him." She goes on to say, "I don't think he's taking his medication. Can you tell me what meds he should be taking?"
The response must include a reference list. One-inch margins, double-space, Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font and APA style of writing and citations.