Week 1 Assignment: Privacy & Security Issues, HIPAA Security

HIPAA Privacy and Security
[Name of the Writer]
[Name of the Institution]
[Name of the Subject]
[Date]
HIPAA Privacy and Security
Introduction
In the given vase study, violation of the HIPAA was carried out by Sue who was the new receptionist. Anna who was Sue’s friend works for the attorney. The violation of the rules occurred when Anna came to Sue for picking up the copies of the records of her boss. However, Anna did not carried the authorization form with her and due to limited time, she did not went back to get the authorization letter. Without the authorization form, Sue provided her the records on the basis of the friendship as well as promise to return the records along with the authorization. This act of Sue can be regarded as the breach of privacy of the patient’s information.
Discussion
Privacy has been defined as the “right of the person to restrict the disclosure of the information to others”. At the same time as the advancement of technology has streamlined the process of sharing and utilization of the patient data, the risk of data breach which violates the rules of HIPPA remain (Herold & Beaver., 2004). The exploitation of the rules mainly occur due to the inadequate usage of the patient information as evident in the given case or the failure of the technology. Most of the governments consider data breach as a major concern and consequently, they have implemented stiff penalties. As per the federal Department of Health and Human Services that regulate HIPAA, both intentional or unintentional violations of the laws and data breaches can lead to fine of $50,000. Furthermore, the information shared by Sue with Anna if not handled adequately can cause serious consequences. For instance, the any breach of the medical record of the patient by Anna could lead to identity theft that can eventually damage the...