NURS FPX 4045 Assessment 2 Protected Health Information

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NURS-FPX4045

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NURS FPX 4045 Assessment 2

Protected Health Information (PHI): Privacy, Security, and Confidentiality Best Practices
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) serves as a critical safeguard
for protecting patient information from mishandling and misuse that could negatively affect a
person’s privacy, insurability, or employability (Isola & Al Khalili, 2023). In modern healthcare,
maintaining the privacy, security, and confidentiality of Protected Health Information (PHI) is
not only a legal requirement but also a moral and professional obligation. Privacy grants
individuals control over access to their medical information, while security ensures that data is
shielded through technical and administrative protections. Confidentiality, on the other hand,
guarantees that only authorized personnel can view sensitive health data. This assessment
explores best practices in maintaining PHI compliance, particularly in skilled nursing facilities
(SNFs), and evaluates how interdisciplinary collaboration and social media policies reinforce
HIPAA standards in healthcare.

Confidentiality Laws in Healthcare

Protected Health Information (PHI) refers to any identifiable patient data such as medical
history, diagnosis, or treatment details that are collected or used by healthcare professionals.
HIPAA ensures that PHI remains secure and prevents the unauthorized release of sensitive
information, protecting patient rights to privacy and safety (Edemekong et al., 2025). In a skilled
nursing facility, this means that patients have the autonomy to determine who can access their
information, even when disclosure could affect the coordination of care. For instance, a patient
may choose not to disclose certain conditions to others within their community.

Security within healthcare includes safeguarding electronic PHI (ePHI) through measures such
as password protection, encryption, and secure firewalls. Confidentiality laws ensure that only
qualified individuals with legitimate clearance can access or handle sensitive data (The
Knowledge Academy, 2025). However, privacy breaches can still occur unintentionally,
especially through social media misuse. Posting photos, videos, or stories that include residents
or their care environment without authorization can violate HIPAA regulations and erode patient
trust. To prevent such incidents, SNFs must enforce regular HIPAA training, implement strong
social media policies, and foster a culture of shared accountability. When every team member—
from nurses to IT specialists—understands their ethical and legal responsibilities, the protection
of PHI becomes a shared mission across all levels of care.

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Interdisciplinary Collaboration Safeguards ePHI
Interdisciplinary collaboration plays a vital role in protecting electronic health information in
skilled nursing facilities. Nurses, physicians, therapists, social workers, IT professionals, and
administrators must work cohesively to establish robust systems that integrate technical
safeguards with clinical workflows. Such collaboration includes regulating access to electronic
health records, ensuring encrypted data transmission, and performing routine audits to verify
compliance (Stefan et al., 2024). Embedding these security measures into everyday processes—
from patient admission to discharge—creates a culture of confidentiality where privacy and
security become standard practices rather than exceptions.

Collaboration also mitigates risks associated with social media use in healthcare. While
clinicians can identify sensitive information, compliance officers ensure adherence to HIPAA
regulations, and IT teams monitor for potential data leaks or unauthorized access. Cross-
disciplinary training sessions enhance staff understanding of appropriate consent practices and
how to recognize red flags that may indicate policy violations (Nzimakwe & Utete, 2024). These
proactive strategies not only preserve confidentiality but also foster professional accountability,
mutual trust, and patient confidence in care environments.

Evidence-Based ePHI Risk Mitigation

Evidence-based strategies are fundamental in minimizing ePHI risks and ensuring compliance
with HIPAA. One of the most effective methods involves the implementation of well-defined
social media and communication policies. These guidelines help healthcare workers distinguish
between professional and personal use of digital platforms, reducing accidental disclosures.
Facilities are also encouraged to conduct frequent interdisciplinary HIPAA training and use
monitoring tools that track unauthorized system access (Secure Frame, 2023).

Privacy by design—integrating privacy measures directly into system architecture—is another

key strategy. Encryption, role-based access control, and periodic system audits are all effective
mechanisms for reducing breaches (Amod, 2024). Strong internal protocols outline the handling
of identifiable health information, define procedures for reporting violations, and establish
disciplinary actions for noncompliance (Edemekong et al., 2024). Additional measures such as
multi-factor authentication, anomaly detection, and secure electronic communication methods,
including encrypted email and eFax, further enhance data protection. Given that many breaches
result from human error, continuous staff education remains essential to reinforce compliance
and promote a culture of vigilance and ethical responsibility.

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Real-World Examples of HIPAA Violations
HIPAA violations in healthcare can have serious consequences for individuals and institutions.
In one notable case, several nurses at Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta were
terminated after a social media video surfaced showing them mocking labor and delivery
patients—a clear breach of patient privacy (Jackson, 2022). In another instance, a nursing
assistant was jailed for recording and uploading a video of a patient without consent (Alder,
2025). These incidents underscore how unprofessional online behavior can result in severe legal
penalties, loss of employment, and revocation of nursing licenses.

Even large healthcare organizations are not immune to such repercussions. The University of
Rochester Medical Center was fined $3 million after losing an unencrypted flash drive and
laptop containing PHI. Similarly, Elite Dental, a private practice, faced a $10,000 fine for
violating HIPAA regulations through inappropriate social media engagement (Secure Frame,
2023). These examples highlight that protecting PHI extends beyond patient records—it requires
mindfulness in all forms of professional communication, especially in digital spaces.

Interprofessional Staff Update

To ensure consistent HIPAA compliance, interprofessional staff must adhere to strict guidelines
when handling patient data, particularly on social media. Employees should never photograph,
record, or share any patient-related media without written consent. They must also refrain from
discussing patient cases in online forums, private chats, or social media groups. Accessing or
storing patient data on personal devices is strictly prohibited, as is responding publicly to online
patient reviews or complaints that could reveal PHI. Additionally, healthcare professionals
should avoid befriending or messaging patients or their family members through personal social
media accounts, as such actions blur professional boundaries and increase the risk of ethical
breaches.

Maintaining professionalism on social media is not only about following rules but also about
preserving dignity, privacy, and trust between patients and caregivers. It is the ethical and legal
duty of all staff to uphold the confidentiality of residents and ensure that every action aligns with
organizational policies and HIPAA standards. Through shared accountability, consistent training,
and transparent communication, interprofessional teams can uphold patient rights and strengthen
public confidence in healthcare systems.

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Conclusion
Protecting Protected Health Information (PHI) is a cornerstone of ethical and professional
nursing practice. As demonstrated throughout this assessment, maintaining privacy,
confidentiality, and security requires comprehensive policies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and
continuous staff education. Social media presents new challenges in PHI management, but with
proactive measures and ethical awareness, healthcare professionals can prevent violations and
preserve patient trust. By following HIPAA regulations, applying encryption technologies,
conducting regular audits, and fostering interprofessional cooperation, skilled nursing facilities
can create secure environments where patient information remains confidential and protected.
Ultimately, the commitment to safeguarding PHI reinforces the integrity, accountability, and
compassion that define the nursing profession.

References
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Accountability Act? The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Journal.
https://www.hipaajournal.com/what-happens-nurse-violates-hipaa/
Amod, F. (2024, May). Safely transmitting Protected Health Information. Paubox.com.
https://www.paubox.com/blog/safely-transmitting-phi
Edemekong, P. F., Annamaraju, P., Afzal, M., & Haydel, M. J. (2025). Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act compliance. StatPearls Publishing.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500019/
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Accountability Act (HIPAA). National Library of Medicine.
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Isola, S., & Al Khalili, Y. (2023, January 30). Protected Health Information. StatPearls
Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553131/
Jackson, R. (2022). Emory Hospital nurses no longer employed after viral mocking of expectant
mothers. 11Alive.com. https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/emory-hospital-nurses-no-
longer-employed-after-viral-tiktok-criticizing-labor-and-delivery-patients/85-2b9c8730-9949-
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Nzimakwe, T. I., & Utete, R. (2024). Staff training and employee performance: Perspectives of
the workplace. International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy, 6(1), 80–86.
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Secureframe. (2023). Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Violations: 5 Cases to
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Tariq, R. A., & Hackert, P. B. (2023, January 23). Patient confidentiality. National Library of
Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519540/

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