Confidentiality In Social Work

784 Words2 Pages

According to Jacinto & Dziegielewski (2006) throughout the years, maintaining ethical practice (including confidentiality) has been at the forefront in the field of social work. So important, in fact, that in 1996 the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) modified the existing version of the Code of Ethics. Jacinto & Dziegielewski (2006) found, asocial worker should make every attempt possible to adhere to the rules of confidentiality promoting self-determination, but should also be aware that there are some situations that should not be kept confidential. In most cases where maintaining confidentiality is an issue, consideration is needed in order to determine what is “sufficiently compelling to warrant a breach of confidentiality Indeed, there is a growing recognition that numerous cultural, religious and regional differences exist with respect to how privacy and confidentiality (Wulff, St George & Besthorn, 2011). Students just becoming acquainted with their professional discipline may be especially prone to feelings of jeopardy associated with a strict mandate to adhere to the core principle of confidentiality Wulff, St George & Besthorn, 2011). Students are presented with their profession’s specific code of ethics along with a categorical directive to abide by it – often without questions. Students must come come to be understood in disparate parts of both the Western and developing Vidant Health may use and disclose protected health information (PHI) about you without your authorization in the following circumstances (Hospice, 2017). Hospice (2017) states; it is OUR DUTY TO PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION as we are required to do the following: We are required to protect the privacy of health information about you that can identify you (which we call protected health information, or PHI for short). We must give you notice of our legal duties and privacy practices concerning PHI. Hospice (2017) states; HOW WE MAY USE AND DISCLOSE YOUR INFORMATION We may use and disclose PHI about you without your authorization in the following circumstances: We may use and disclose PHI about you for treatment purposes. Electronic Health Information Exchange (HIE). This facility uses an electronic health information exchange that allows patient information to be shared with providers that are involved in their care (Hospice, 2017). This exchange provides a fast, secure, and reliable way to provide health information to providers (Hospice, 2017). The health information is shared in accordance with this Notice of Privacy Practices and federal and state law. Patients have the right to opt out of the electronic health information exchange

Open Document