Tag: consent

  • Do You Record Patient Phone Calls? Here’s What You Need to Know.

    Do You Record Patient Phone Calls? Here’s What You Need to Know.

    A physician practice recently inquired about implementing a policy pursuant to which the practice would begin recording phone calls to and from patients and referring providers. The practice of recording phone calls is not uncommon. For example, every time you call a customer service number you are informed that the call “may be recorded for…

  • HIPAA Guidance for Mass Shootings and Other Tragic and Emergency Situations

    HIPAA Guidance for Mass Shootings and Other Tragic and Emergency Situations

    In the aftermath of one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history, many health care organizations are revisiting their HIPAA policies and procedures to determine exactly what information they are allowed to share and to whom they may share information.  FAMILY AND FRIENDS A health care entity may share a patient’s location, general condition…

  • Have You Properly Obtained Informed Consent?

    Have You Properly Obtained Informed Consent?

    In June, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued a controversial opinion holding that a physician had to have face-to-face interaction with the patient to effectively obtain informed consent. This has raised heightened awareness of a physician’s obligations to obtain informed consent from their patients and caused many to evaluate their own practice of obtaining informed consent.…