Question

An EKG technician has performed an EKG on a patient. Which of the following actions by the technician would protect the patient's health information in accordance with HIPAA regulations?

a. Sending the EKG in an encrypted electronic file to the patient's employer
b. Using corrective fluid on the patient's name, address, and physical description on the EKG printout
c. Restricting the patient's access to the EKG file
d. Hand delivering the EKG to the patient's provider

Answer 1

The action most in accordance with HIPAA to protect patient health information after an EKG is hand delivering the EKG to the patient's provider, which ensures confidentiality and direct delivery to an authorized individual.

Step-by-step explanation:

The protection of patient health information is governed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which requires the safeguarding of patient records and confidentiality. An EKG technician, after performing an electrocardiogram (EKG), has multiple responsibilities to ensure that the patient's health information is protected in compliance with these regulations.

Out of the options provided, the action that would protect the patient's health information in accordance with HIPAA regulations is d. Hand delivering the EKG to the patient's provider. This method minimizes the risk of unauthorized access to the health information, as it involves direct delivery to an authorized individual, ensuring that confidentiality is maintained. Other options, such as sending the EKG to an employer or restricting the patient's access, are not in line with HIPAA regulations designed to protect patient privacy and provide patients with access to their own health information.