Mary, a 20-year veteran of the HIM department began her career as a nightshift file clerk when an innovative tertiary care center built a sister facility in her community. She has long been a strong supporter of the facility where she works, sharing her enthusiasm with friends and family by telling remarkable stories about her experiences, promotions within the department, and even about some notable patients. Recently promoted to supervisor over the EMR coordinators, she is clearly proud of this latest accomplishment in her career at the facility. During a lunch break, she has a chance encounter with a longtime benefactor who happens to be a well-known entertainer. This celebrity benefactor has also been a patient at the facility. Mary is so excited about meeting this media icon that she takes his photograph with her cell phone. She then shares the photos with her coworkers, and the next day posts them on her Facebook page. When the CEO of the facility learns of this, she contacts Mary’s director.
Is there an ethical violation, dilemma, or concern?
What was the intent of the AHIMA member’s actions that resulted in an ethics violation being brought forward?
What is the potential harm to the organization as a result of the act? What is the status of the AHIMA member’s training, education, and awareness of the AHIMA Code of Ethics?
What is the history of the AHIMA member’s performance within the Association? What AHIMA Ethical Code has been violated?