Informatics (the information age) brings nurses to the forefront of helping patients to understand their rights and the rules inherent in the delivery of health care.

Tasks:

Explore the information at the Health and Human Services HIPAA website: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/. Review information provided to consumers, specifically the brochures titled, “Your health information Privacy Rights” and “Privacy and your health information.” Interview 3 laypeople about their understanding of the privacy of health care information.

In a 3- to 4-page essay, post your response to the following:

• Describe the issues of HIPAA and its importance to nurses.
• Discuss the importance of consumer brochures.
• Develop a planned interview and then interview 3 laypeople on the privacy of their health information and record their reaction to the information.