Medical records

gives patients the right to access their medical records and ensures that identifiable health information is not shared without their written consent. In
practice, medical social workers often face predicaments involving the disclosure of health information. Besides following HIPPA guidelines and policies in
their daily work, medical social workers may be called upon to educate patients and their families about HIPAA regulations.
To prepare for this Discussion, review this week’s resources, including the media and two case scenarios. Select one case and focus on the dilemma
illustrated in the case.
Case Scenario 1:
You are a medical social worker in an outpatient clinic at a major teaching hospital. A woman shows up at the clinic who claims she is one of your patient’s
sisters. She states, “I am here to find out whether my brother George has been coming to his appointments. I am very worried because he is so sick and does
not seem to be getting better. All I want to do is help him.” She goes on to say, “I don’t think he’s taking his medication. Can you tell me what meds he should
be taking?”
Case Scenario 2:
You are a medical social worker at a skilled nursing facility. You receive a phone call from a man who states he is one of your patient’s brothers. Your patient
was admitted to the skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation after a long stay at an acute care hospital. In addition to his medical issues, your patient has
rather severe mental health issues. The man on the phone is frantic and wants to know whether his brother is still a patient at the skilled nursing facility. He
also asks about his brother’s condition. He asks, “Is he stable? Is he ok? Is he getting better? Is he taking his medication?” The man on the phone explains
that your patient’s mother just passed away. He needs to tell his brother but does not want to do so unless his brother is able to handle the news.
Post by Day 5 (Friday, January 14, 2022, by 11:59 pm EST): 1). a brief descriiption of a medical social worker’s responsibilities, under HIPAA guidelines, that
apply to the case you selected; 2). Describe the rights of the person making the inquiry, and explain how you as a medical social worker should respond; 3).
Then, describe actions you might consider to safeguard your patient’s information and briefly describe your professional responsibilities to protect your
patient in the case.