Scenario: You are the HIM Director in an acute care hospital setting. Your facility has purchased an electronic health record (EHR) system, and pressure is mounting to deploy this system as soon as possible by the chief information officer (CIO) and chief of the medical staff (CMS). However, during a testing period, you and your team discover that the EHR system does not comply with applicable federal privacy and security standards. It is your recommendation to stop the deployment until these issues can be resolved; however, the CIO and CMS disagree. Ethics Memo Template
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Introduction:
The scenario presents a challenging ethical dilemma faced in the healthcare industry. As the HIM Director in an acute care hospital setting, the responsibility falls upon you to make a crucial decision regarding the deployment of an electronic health record (EHR) system. The system fails to comply with federal privacy and security standards, posing a significant risk to patient information. On one hand, the chief information officer (CIO) and chief of the medical staff (CMS) are pressuring you to proceed with the deployment, while on the other hand, you believe it is crucial to resolve the compliance issues before proceeding further. In this response, we will explore the potential course of action to be taken in this ethical dilemma.
Answer:
In this scenario, where the electronic health record (EHR) system does not comply with federal privacy and security standards, it is essential to prioritize patient safety and security over pressure to deploy the system. Therefore, it is recommended to stop the deployment until the compliance issues are resolved.
Privacy and security standards in healthcare settings are of utmost importance to protect patient information from unauthorized access, breaches, and potential harm. Failure to comply with these standards not only puts patient data at risk but also violates patient trust and may result in severe legal and financial consequences.
As the HIM Director, it is your duty to advocate for patient rights and ensure the compliance of healthcare practices and systems with applicable regulations. By addressing the non-compliance issues before proceeding with the deployment, you are fulfilling your professional obligations and upholding ethical standards.
To address this situation effectively, it is crucial to communicate your concerns to the CIO and CMS. Prepare a comprehensive ethics memo that outlines the potential risks associated with proceeding without resolving the compliance issues. Present the memo to both individuals, emphasizing the importance of patient privacy and security and the potential consequences of non-compliance.
In the memo, provide a detailed explanation of the specific privacy and security standards that the EHR system does not meet, along with the potential risks and impacts it might have. Additionally, propose a plan of action to resolve the compliance issues, such as collaborating with the EHR vendor or engaging an external expert to address the identified gaps.
During the presentation of your concerns, it is essential to remain professional and objective, emphasizing the potential harm that may be caused by deploying an EHR system that fails to comply with privacy and security standards.
Ultimately, by taking a stand and recommending to halt the deployment until the compliance issues are resolved, you are prioritizing patient safety and acting in an ethically responsible manner. Remember, as a healthcare professional, your primary duty is to advocate for patient welfare and ensure the highest standards of care and security in all healthcare practices and systems.
