Notes on Patient Confidentiality and Privacy

Confidentiality and Privacy in Clinical Practice

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of protecting patient information in all communications and documents.
• Do not include patient names or other identifying information when writing or sharing notes about patients.
• Consider where and how you, as a student, leave or store information to prevent unauthorized access.
• Email as a communication channel is mentioned; there is concern about privacy via email.
• Patient rights are central; organizations can be liable for violations, and individuals can face serious consequences.
• The possibility of consequences is discussed: individuals can be fired, may lose their license, and can be sued for violations.
• Patient rights are highlighted as core to practice; organizations can bear liability for violations of those rights.
• Access to patient charts is regulated; patients may request access, but access must be controlled and monitored.
• Each individual typically has a personal credential (password) to access patient information; sharing passwords creates personal liability.
• If you share or expose your password, accountability lies with you.
• There are situations in which certain information may not be available to you, especially regarding psychotherapy notes.
• The therapist may have the right not to disclose certain information, depending on the context and type of note.
• The speaker expresses uncertainty about how these rules apply, highlighting the complexity of privacy in mental health care.
• Overall emphasis on balancing patient rights with professional and organizational responsibilities, while maintaining secure systems and ethical practices.

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Notes on Patient Confidentiality and Privacy inClinical Settings