Final answer:
ALARA is a safety principle aimed at minimizing radiation exposure, and HIPAA is a law for the protection of patient health information. Healthcare professionals use protective measures and practice secure information handling to adhere to these policies. Policy development must consider treatment costs, patient quality of life, and privacy risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding ALARA and HIPAA
ALARA, which stands for As Low As Reasonably Achievable, is a principle in radiology and nuclear medicine that aims to minimize radiation exposure to patients and healthcare workers. To ensure safety and adherence to this policy, healthcare professionals use protective gear, lead shields, and follow strict procedural protocols. Regular equipment checks and dosimeter badges also help monitor and reduce exposure.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandates the protection of patient health information. Compliance involves secure handling of health records, conducting risk assessments, employee training, and implementing physical and technical safeguards to prevent unauthorized access.
In regards to policy development, three critical questions must be addressed: (1) How can we balance the cost of treatments against the quality of life for patients? (2) What measures can we take to mitigate risks while pressing for high-quality diagnostics and procedures? (3) What policies can protect individual privacy without compromising necessary medical actions, like contacting a patient's partners in case of contagious diseases?
Legal considerations also play a role where HIPAA conflicts might arise, such as when medical procedures require the disclosure of sensitive patient information. Therefore, maintaining confidentiality is paramount, even in cases involving public health.