Healthcare professionals must follow client privacy laws even at home when discussing work-related events with loved ones. Private conversations with a spouse or other family members may violate client rights unless staff adhere to laws protecting client confidentiality. According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) “requires appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy of protected health information and sets limits and conditions on the uses and disclosures that may be made of such information without an individual’s authorization.” Driftwood Recovery prioritizes client confidentiality and ensures all staff members follow strict privacy policies protecting client information.
Client Privacy in the Workplace and at Home
Clients deserve to be treated and talked about with respect and dignity. Individuals participating in treatment build a bond of trust with their care team. Betraying that trust, even in the privacy of one’s home, may irreparably damage the client-clinician relationship. Being mindful during conversations with loved ones can help staff avoid mentioning information they should not share with unauthorized individuals.
Sharing Your Emotional Reactions Without Violating Client Rights
Many traumatic, stressful, unusual, and emotionally challenging events happen to individuals in healthcare. Staff watch clients and coworkers go through difficult situations on a daily basis. The constant stress and pressure to meet sometimes unrealistic expectations make it essential for healthcare workers to discuss their thoughts and feelings with members of their support system, including loved ones. Sharing these experiences can help healthcare workers avoid emotional burnout and maintain positive mental health. However, client confidentiality must be maintained during conversations with others, regardless of when or where they occur.
Client Privacy Laws in Healthcare
Clients have a right to confidentiality. Healthcare professionals and support staff ensure client records remain private and secure. Driftwood Recovery utilizes strict privacy policies to ensure client records and details remain safe and only available to authorized individuals. Healthcare workers must follow federal, state, and local laws protecting client records. Although employers should provide information on relevant laws, it is up to each healthcare worker to remain compliant with the latest privacy rules and regulations.
Some of the client information healthcare providers cannot disclose to unauthorized individuals include:
- Medical records
- Demographics
- Billing or payment records
- Medical imaging
- Laboratory tests, including blood tests and drug screens
- Insurance details
- Personal identifying information
Following client privacy laws helps healthcare professionals build trust with clients. Individuals are more likely to open up and share relevant personal information if they know their records and private conversations will not be shared with anyone outside the care team.
HIPPA and Private Conversations With Loved Ones
The HIPPA privacy rule makes it illegal to share a client’s protected health information (PHI) with unauthorized individuals, including coworkers, client family members, and trusted friends. Studies have shown that “[t]he HIPAA privacy rule applies to almost every department in a medical facility, even when walking to the parking lot with a colleague or on your home internet, the confidentiality of PHI must be preserved.” Even private conversations with loved ones should not include identifying client information, including age, gender, name, and the specifics of their medical condition or treatment.
Most people trust their friends and family and may feel comfortable disclosing information they know should not be discussed privately. Driftwood Recovery prioritizes keeping client records and medical details secure. Staff receive training to ensure they know how to avoid disclosing private information while discussing their work with loved ones. Even vaguely alluding to client circumstances may break the HIPAA privacy rule.
Healthcare workers protect client privacy in personal conversations by doing the following:
- Avoiding discussions about any unnecessary work details
- Ensuring all work devices, including phones, tablets, or computers, remain locked and secure at all times
- Using general terms to discuss any workplace events or interactions
- Educating friends and family members of the importance of confidentiality if they request additional information
- Avoiding sharing any work-related information over social media or in public areas
Professionals must protect their client’s safety and confidentiality at all times. Federal, state, and local laws apply at home and in public. If in doubt, staff may speak with a supervisor to clarify what information is confidential, what can be shared, or how to talk about workplace events with families and friends.
Being Mindful of What Details You Share With Loved Ones
Healthcare professionals must remain mindful of word choices, including the specific language used to describe clients while discussing work events with loved ones. Everyone needs to destress sometimes, and talking through challenging experiences with loved ones can help staff cope with workplace stressors more effectively. However, professionals must maintain client privacy while having those vital discussions. Disclosing traumatic, stressful, humorous, or positive workplace situations with loved ones cannot involve disclosing any identifying information. Practicing mindfulness and remaining aware of privacy laws protects clients and staff members.
Everyone needs to vent sometimes or share unusual situations they encounter at work. However, healthcare professionals must follow laws protecting client information, even during private conversations with family or friends. Without disclosing protected information, people can be honest with loved ones about work factors impacting their mental health and complex emotions related to client care. Healthcare professionals must remain vigilant about their words when describing clients or workplace situations. Coworkers must also practice discretion when discussing clients they are not actively treating. Client privacy takes precedence and should be supported at all times. Driftwood Recovery has policies in place to protect client confidentiality and privacy. To learn more about how we protect client information, call us today at (512) 759-8330.