Guest Pat8231 Report Share Posted January 19, 2006 (edited) Hi All, I worked in an SNF so know what applies there with HIPAA. But, my question is ALF. Residents last names are listed in the newsletter for their birthdays and names for new residents are also listed. Does HIPAA come into play here? Thanks, Pat 8-) Edited January 19, 2006 by Pat8231 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tinki Report Share Posted January 19, 2006 I had a long discussion with my students on that the other day. I don't know what the law is, but I personally would say to be safe leave all last names and birthdates off anything that the public can see! In the newsletter just have March Birthdays, Joe, Mary, Bob etc - Most people know who that is, especially in an AL. Hope that helps, Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolinagirl 0 Report Share Posted January 19, 2006 As far as I am aware and have also been told by others in the nursing facility the residents last name may be used. You can't reveal any health related information. When doing the birthdays it would be a good idea to the the month and day only not the year. In our facility we have consent sheets that the family signs at time of admission and if the check they do not want their family members names on boards or doors then we keep a current list of the residents to make sure their name is not listed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angeliquepache 1 Report Share Posted January 19, 2006 Well here at our place we can't put the birthbays up anymore nor can we put pictures of someone who has passed. We use to put their picture and first name but not anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AggieTiff 0 Report Share Posted January 19, 2006 I would highly suggest having a consent signed by the power of attorney for photos and names being used....just to cover your self. We just had a memorial for a group of residents who have passed over teh last few months, one of the hospice providers arranged this and we did have some photos and "in memory" listings. The families really liked this and it gave the care staff a bit of closure....but you never know who you are going to upset so get it in writing. Better safe than sorry. Tiff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diana 0 Report Share Posted January 20, 2006 We are planning a Memorial Service, hosted by one of our Hospice providers, and will be inviting families, residents and staff to attend. Names will be mentioned and hopefully pictures if families provide. What does HIPAA say about Memorial Services? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Pat8231 Report Share Posted January 20, 2006 Thanks everyone for you responses. Last names are used but not the year they were born. Pat 8-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaye 0 Report Share Posted January 21, 2006 My understanding of HIPPA is that ONLY HEALTH issues are NOT identified. I believe this government involvement was started for the 'general public' because of the AIDS issues. Ever see Philadelphia Story? Anyway, I think that the senior care industry has way over reacted. We need to have workshops given by HIPPA advisors to the exact ramifications that apply to our industry as a part of the 'general public' rulings. I don't think birthdays (without birth years) being published is in violation of anything, unless the specific resident requests theirs not to be published. And in my experience (12 years in a variety of settings) some people 'of age' like to brag that they'd made it this far!!! We definitely celebrate over 100!!! (with approval of the resident & family). You can even have it announced on TV and get the President and government officials to send congratulations!!! Also regarding religious preferences, this is not related to health. The workshop I took regarding HIPPA, and I have done some internet research on my own, suggested that 'in-house' health issues are on a 'need-to-know' priority with staff. I know that if I was in a facility, I would want every one to know what might be signs of my needing assistance because of any health issues, so that I could get 'treatment' ASAP, to save my life!! Example: If I have Diabetes, and I stockpile candy (my housekeeper knows this, but no one else does) I would want the other staff to know that I did eat sugar, as this might effect how my medicine was administered. Or if I go into a sugar-coma in the dining room, I want the serving staff to know what to do for me! My opinion, Shaye Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest_rose Report Share Posted January 22, 2006 We have a form that on addmission is filled out by family or the resident it has on it a place to check what kind of information is ok to give out or if they don't want it there is a place for it so of the things are 1) Name on the outside of the Their Door, Pictures Taken, Birthdays (i put first and last name month and day on boards and Monthly newsletter) If they want us to post their death. This is jsut a few there is 6 items on the form. When the HIPPA first came out i went through and helped residents and families fill them out and made extra copy for my self to put in a 3 ring binder so it would be right at hand to check each month. On Addimission they give me a copy to add to my book so far this has worked great. I have been yelled at by family members because there love ones Birthday wasn't in the newsletter when this happens I check again and all the time its because they said no on addmission. I send them on to Social so they may up date it. Pictures or Information for the newspaper or Tv then i have a form that must be filled out by the family at the time that something is going in the paper and a new one each tim.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigchris 1 Report Share Posted January 27, 2006 PAT, I hope you are the one that e mailed me, if not; let me know and I will send my reply. chrisl@christian-city.org Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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