Issues or Opportunities
There are 20 key issues listed by the American Hospital Association. Please select two issues from the list and present them as two marketing related opportunities to a healthcare related organization. Make sure you describe the type of healthcare organization in your response. If you work for a healthcare organization, you may present these two opportunities to your organization. List your reference(s) in APA format. HIPAA
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) established new standards for the confidentiality, security, and transmissibility of health care information. There are three types of standards created by HIPAA: privacy, security and administrative simplification, for example transaction standards (AHA, 2013). Hospitals and health systems are responsible for protecting the privacy and confidentiality of their patients and patient information. Only legal law enforcement official can have access to any patient information. WHO IS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL?
The HIPAA privacy rule defines a law enforcement official as an officer or employee of any agency or authority of the United States, or a State, territory, political subdivision, or Indian tribe who is empowered to (1) investigate or conduct an official inquiry into a potential violation of law; or (2) prosecute or otherwise conduct a criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding arising from an alleged violation of law (AHA, 2013). The HIPPA policy was put into place to protect individual’s identity regardless where they live. According to the AMA website, (2013), “HIPAA prohibits the release of information without authorization from the patient except in the specific situations identified in the regulations. This document is based on the HIPAA medical privacy regulations and provides overall guidance for the release of patient information to law enforcement and pursuant to an administrative subpoena” (pg. 1) Working with Employees
As stated by AHA, (2013), “the core mission of hospitals and health care systems is caring for people. To fulfill that mission, hospitals and health systems need compassionate, skilled, trained, and dedicated men and women who do the work that supports the mission. Hospitals view employees and employee relations as a top priority and the importance of employee relations issues grows daily”. The AHA values the right of each individual hospital, health care systems, and organization to establish the appropriate hospital-employee relationship for their own organization and community (AHA, 2013). In collaboration with the American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration (ASHHRA), one of the AHA’s Personal Membership Group and the foremost authority in healthcare human resources, the AHA provides timely support for hospital, health system, and organization’s employee relations efforts through advocacy, information and resources as well as opportunities for learning, information sharing, and collaboration (AHA, 2013). These policies have been put into place to guarantee all employees that they are important and valued by this organization and that this organization will provide support to all of its employees. Reference
American Hospital Association, (AHA), (2013). “Advocacy Issues; Key Issues” Retrieved October 31, 2013 from website http://www.aha.org/advocacy-issues/hipaa/index.shtml