Reading Skills for Healthcare Workers

To All Employees:

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Whittington Care Centers is committed to ensuring that medical and other personal information of residents is kept secure.  Whittington Care Centers has a comprehensive policy to protect resident privacy and confidentiality. Recently the nursing station in C wing was left unattended, and the file drawers were left unlocked. Unfortunately, a resident accessed confidential files.

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The staff of Whittington Care Centers is legally and ethically responsible for the privacy and confidentiality of all residents. To maintain the integrity of the privacy and confidentiality policy, the following procedures must be followed:

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1. Unlock file drawers only when a file needs to be pulled or filed away.

2. Log out of or lock access to a computer when leaving a computer work station.

3. Shield computer screens when resident information is visible to residents and visitors.

4. Do not leave paper files, forms, and other medical information in plain view anywhere.

5. Access private medical information only when needed.

Any staff member who violates the privacy and confidentiality policy may be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or dismissal. Any staff member who is aware of a breach in patient privacy must report the incident to his or her supervisor.

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If you have any questions about this policy, contact the Human Resources office.