Unit 301 Promote Communication in Health and Social Care

468 Words2 Pages
1. Identify legislation and codes of practice that relate to handling information in health and social care Legislation: • Data Protection Act 1988 • Freedom of Information Act 2000 • Health and Social Care Act 2008 - Essential Standards Codes of Practice • Health and Care Professional Council • Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) • Local or internal codes of practice (your employers policies and procedures) 2. Summarise the main points of legal requirements and codes of practice for handling information in health and social care The purpose of the Data Protection Act 1988 is to protect the rights and privacy of individuals and to ensure that data about them is not shared without their knowledge or consent. This Act controls how personal information is used by organisations, business’ or Government. Those who have access to this data must follow strict rules called “data protection principles” and must make sure information is:- • Used fairly and lawfully • Used for limited, specifically stated purpose • Used in a way that is adequate, relevant and not excessive • Accurate • Kept for no longer than absolutely necessary • Handled accordingly to people’s data protection rights. The Freedom of Information Act 2000 creates a “right to access information” held by public authorities and corporations. The main principle is that people have a right to know about the activity of public authorities, unless there is a good reason for them not to. Public authorities include government departments, local authorities, the NHS, state schools and the Police Force. The code of practice within the Health and Social Care Act 2008 highlights that personal information is only used if necessary to carry out work and is used in accordance with legislation. This code sets out clear guidelines on how
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