Hcs 335: Administrative Ethics

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Administrative Ethics Paper Andrea Wagner HCS/335 September 2, 2013 Melissa Green Administrative Ethics Paper In the modern age of society, social networking has a strong influence on everyday life for many individuals. When social networking interferes with the health care industry, multiple problems may arise. Violating personal health information can occur with one tiny slip of a key. Medical advice may be given with consequences. Social networks can be helpful, but may also be damaging. Having a policy within a facility will assist in reducing the risk of a privacy violation. An article in Healthcare and Business Technology by Katarsky, C. (2010) stated that a nurse from a local hospital was fired for blowing off steam about her…show more content…
Policies are arising in several directions to prevent the intentional, or unintentional, slip of information. Each facility should adapt their own personal rules and regulations regarding the issue of social media and patient privacy. In a law suit regarding a potential violation of the HIPAA, The General Hospital Corporation and Massachusetts General Physicians Organization Inc. agreed to a substantial fine to the U.S. government (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2011). This type of fine sets the example that a violation of patient’s privacy and rights is strictly prohibited. Within social media, a disgruntled employee may also use the sites to damage confidential information regarding a patient. Having guidelines will set the standard for instances like this and allow punishment to be dealt if an occurrence happens. Enforcing fines or harsher punishments will decrease the chances of a slip in personal information. In the article written by Chris Dimick (2010), it discusses the need for privacy policies and the use of social media. The article describes how policies should be drawn up, and made aware to the staffing personnel. Strong monitoring of company computers and enforcing the policies attempts are made. The article discusses who should be informing the staffing about the new…show more content…
Having a strong ethics training plan would benefit a facility. Knowledge is the best option for a facility to ensure this. By having a policy, and knowing that a fine could be issued for a violation, employees should think twice about violating privacy policies. Every inch of the policy should be examined and comprehended. If changes need to be changed, the facility should oversee the change. From an ethical standpoint, a health care employee should lead by example. Employees need to learn by viewing the administrator, supervisors, and co-workers following the rules of general ethics and privacy regulations. The punishment should also be handled by the supervisors. Facilities should set the guidelines for punishment and make it known across the entire facility, but if a supervisor recognizes the violation, they should handle the punishment, and making human resources aware of a possible violation. Regulations for investigation of possible privacy violations should also be handled by human resources and administration. Overall review of privacy policies, HIPAA regulations, and private regulations should be in serviced frequently to ensure comprehension to the fullest and the repercussions that would
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