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Browse the WPS January 2023 Newsletter
Our Magazine: Capital Psychiatry
Winter 2023 Issue
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2022 Self-Audit for Psychiatrists
Our new 2022 self-audit is available for review. There are 10 questions for psychiatrists’ consideration, along with PRMS’ risk management thoughts and resources. The self-audit is available here.
December Fact vs. Fiction Resource
I would like to speak with my patient’s PCP to discuss medication issues. Since it is for treatment, I can communicate with his current treaters, even without his permission.
What do you think - fact or fiction?
ANSWER: Fact! Federal and some state law explicitly permit the sharing of patient information for treatment purposes (except information related to substance abuse treatment).
Under HIPAA’s Privacy Rule, covered entities have regulatory permission to share protected health information for treatment purposes (as well as for payment and healthcare operations). This is explained in greater detail in OCR’s FAQ. Covered entities should include this in their Notice of Privacy Practices. For an example, see OCR’s Model Notice of Privacy Practices.
Additionally, some states specifically allow all providers to share information for treatment purposes without patient permission. For example, under California law:
(a) A provider of health care…shall not disclose medical information regarding a patient of the provider of health care without first obtaining an authorization, except as provided in subdivision (b) or (c)…
(c) A provider of health care… may disclose medical information as follows:
(1) The information may be disclosed to providers of health care, health care service plans, contractors, or other health care professionals or facilities for purposes of diagnosis or treatment of the patient.
Given the reluctance of various entities (notably hospitals and labs) to rely on this regulatory permission, you may want to have patients sign a consent to the sharing of treatment information with others involved in the patient’s care. Obtaining such a consent is a good way to manage patient expectations and preserve trust within your treatment relationship.
This consent should be general and should not name specific providers. It could be as simple as this:
I consent to [clinician’s name] obtaining and sharing my health information with other treating providers involved in my care for purposes of providing and coordinating my care.
Patient Signature: __________________________ Date _______________
Tonya Davies Honored as a 2022 Women to Watch
We are delighted to share that PRMS’ Chief Operating Officer, Tonya Davies was recently named a 2022 Women to Watch honoree by Business Insurance magazine. Pictured is Tonya accepting her award at the Awards & Leadership Conference in New York City earlier this month.
