Final answer:
A HIM professional's ethical obligations apply universally and are guided by HIPPA to protect patient confidentiality. In situations involving patient privacy versus public health concerns, legality and ethical codes from professional organizations offer guiding principles.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Health Information Management (HIM) professional's ethical obligations apply regardless of the employment site. These obligations stem from a commitment to uphold a set standard of ethics that ensure the protection of patient confidentiality and privacy in all circumstances. When faced with the dilemma of balancing the patient's privacy rights against a sexual partner's right to know about potential exposure to a sexually transmitted disease, it is important to consider both ethical and legal ramifications. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) sets forth strict guidelines for maintaining patient confidentiality, prohibiting the disclosure of a patient's health information without their consent. Therefore, contacting a sexual partner without a patient's consent might result in a HIPPA violation.
However, situations like these are complex and can present ethical challenges for HIM professionals and healthcare providers. The severity of the disease, public health considerations, and legal requirements to warn others of exposure might influence the course of action. Professional organizations like the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Computer Society (IEEE-CS) offer codes of ethics that provide guidance on such matters, balancing individual rights against broader societal interests.