Question

Foley case 2.15 You are the recently hired health information manger for a very large physician group practice. You are reviewing policies and procedures related to e-discovery and notice that there is no mention of a policy related to back up media. You contact the information technology manger who says that she tried to address this issue a year ago, but the prior HIM manager did not feel it was important stating it was covered under HIM policies related to retention and destruction.

You decide to hold a meeting to reintroduce the topic. Answer the following questions:

1. Determine who should take part in the meeting

2. Assume that you will get push back for addressing this topic again. Offer insight to the group on why this topic must be addressed.

3. your rationale addresses legal consequences of taking no action

Answer 1

1.Some of the professionals who should take part in the meeting are

• Information Technologist Manager to address why this was not implemented in a brief way
• Risk management professionals to assess its risk of not having the policy to an individual staff to the entire organization
• Hospital Administrator to take decisions

2.Some of the insight which can be offered are

• It can protect the patient data and can be retrieved during a need like any legal issues in future
• The organization can be in compliance with the healthcare laws
• It can be helpful for educative purposes like research, etc.,
• It can improve the quality of care
• Aides to make decision

3.If not having the back up media it can lead to legal consequences like

• Non compliance
• Fine or Penalty
• Temporary cessation of the license
• Risk for loss of licensure in case of any serious threats