Many patients today are rightly concerned about the security of their health information. HIPAA includes a many requirements that health care providers must meet to adequately safeguard patient information, but also provides flexibility for health care providers to share patients’ medical information for things like health care operations and treatment.
Another trend influencing the health care delivery system is a growing understanding about how social factors influence people’s medical status. People’s access to food, transportation, adequate housing, and social services can have a strong impact on physical and mental health. Many progressive health care systems are beginning to work closely with community agencies and social service providers. These collaborations between health systems (doctors and hospitals) and community agencies enable both groups to provide more coordinated care.
What rights should patients have in this process? Should patients give their consent to these kinds of arrangements? Should health systems, community agencies, and social service providers receive patient consent before sharing information and discussing people’s medical (and non-medical) issues?
