If unsure about how to handle PHI, what should a hospital employee do?

In situations where there is uncertainty about handling Protected Health Information (PHI), consulting the hospital's policy manual is the appropriate course of action. The policy manual is designed to provide clear guidelines and procedures that ensure compliance with regulations, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This resource contains information about privacy standards, security measures, and the proper protocols to follow when dealing with PHI.

By referring to the policy manual, employees can access specific instructions tailored to their organization’s practices, reducing the risk of mishandling sensitive information. This approach not only helps protect patient privacy but also safeguards the hospital from potential legal and financial repercussions associated with non-compliance.

The other options may not provide the same level of assurance or adherence to compliance:

• Guessing would lead to uncertainty and potentially improper handling of PHI.

• Discussing it with a colleague may provide some insights, but without definitive guidance, this could also lead to risky decisions.

• Immediately emailing PHI is a violation of privacy protocols and could result in significant breaches of confidentiality and trust.