BHA FPX 4006 Assessment 1 Compliance Program Implementation and Ethical Decision-Making

Student Name

Capella University

BHA-FPX4006 Health Care Regulation and Compliance

Prof. Name:

Date

Background

In the role of a risk management and quality improvement professional at Vila Health’s community-based hospitals located in Minnesota and Wisconsin, the current task involves addressing a recent compliance breach. An employee inadvertently disclosed protected patient health information without prior authorization, constituting a privacy breach and a violation of HIPAA regulations.

Privacy Breach—HIPAA Violation

During routine duties, an employee at Vila Health mistakenly shared a patient’s protected health information while seeking pre-authorization for a surgical procedure. This action violated HIPAA regulations, which were established in 1996 to protect patient data (Chen & Benusa, 2017). Non-compliance with HIPAA standards not only jeopardizes patient privacy but also exposes Vila Health to potential legal consequences, particularly under the HITECH Act (D’Arrigo, 2019).

Seven Essential Elements of an Effective Compliance Program

Compliance programs in healthcare facilities are crucial for ensuring patient privacy and safety. Seven essential elements form the foundation of an effective compliance program, including the establishment of standards and procedures, the designation of a compliance officer, and the implementation of education initiatives (D’Arrigo, 2019).

Privacy Breach Consequences

HIPAA violations can result in significant legal and financial penalties for healthcare facilities and their leadership, necessitating immediate corrective actions to mitigate risks (D’Arrigo, 2019).

Evidence-Based Recommendations

Involving Human Resources in the investigation of privacy breaches and conducting GAP analyses can strengthen Vila Health’s compliance efforts and protect patient information (Stuart, 2019).

Ethical Decision-Making Framework for Health Care Leaders

Healthcare leaders must utilize ethical decision-making frameworks to effectively address conflicts and ensure compliance with regulations (Nelson, 2015).

Conclusion

This incident highlights the critical need for robust compliance measures in healthcare settings to maintain patient privacy and adhere to regulatory standards. By implementing evidence-based practices and ethical decision-making frameworks, Vila Health can mitigate risks and prevent future breaches.

References

Chen, J. Q., & Benusa, A. (2017). HIPAA security compliance challenges: The case for small healthcare providers. International Journal of Healthcare Management, 10(2), 135–146.

D’Arrigo, T. (2019). HHS adjusts penalties for HIPAA violations. Psychiatric News, 54(13), 23–40.

Doyle, A. (2014). Are you aware of HIPAA breach notification standards? PsycEXTRA Dataset, 1(1), 15–23.