Influence of Technology on Confidentiality

Influence of Technology on Confidentiality

Post by Day 4 an explanation of two ways technology might influence confidentiality. Then explain how technology might influence compliance with HIPAA or FERPA(whichever is most relevant to your specialization). Finally, describe an ethical situation involving technology and explain a strategy you might use to address this situation.

Be specific and include reference to the week’s Learning Resources in your response.

Required Resources

Readings

• Bersoff, D. (Ed.). (2008). Ethical conflicts in psychology (4th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
  • Chapter 3, “Learning Ethics” (pp. 117–157) (review for Case Study)
  • Chapter 4, “Confidentiality, Privilege, and Privacy” (p. 159–213)

• Fisher, C. B. (2017). Decoding the ethics code: A practical guide for psychologists (4th ed). California: Sage Publications, Inc.
  • Chapter 3, “The APA Ethics Code and Ethical Decision Making (pp. 31-53) (review for Case Study)
  • Chapter 7, “Standards on Privacy and Confidentiality” (pp. 172-202)
• Bersoff, D. N. (2008). HIPAA: Federal regulation of healthcare records. In D. Bersoff, (Ed.), Ethical conflicts in psychology (4th ed.).(pp. 543–545). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• U.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Retrieved from http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html
  
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (n. d.). Understanding health information privacy.Retrieved from http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/index.html

Media

• Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012). HIPAA and patient’s rights. Baltimore, MD: Author.Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 5 minutes.

Answer preview

With today’s advances in technology, psychologists have an enormous task of ensuring that they maintain the confidentiality of their clients. The confidential information that psychologists get from their clients may regard their treatment plans, records and personal or family affairs. At times, the professionals have to communicate with their clients through emails, telephone, and other internet platforms. Still, record keeping has been digitalized which is the reason why all practitioners have to comply with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (1996; HIPAA). With that in mind, there are ways in which technology might influence confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA…

 

(800 words)