Protecting Our Privacy
When you or one of your loved ones comes to
Providence for care, what is your expectation of
privacy? When you are the caregiver to a Providence
associate or to one of our associate’s family members,
do you treat the medical information you obtain to
perform your job any differently? When one of our
physicians, a board member or high-profile associate
is hospitalized, do you change your care delivery
model or treat the access to their health information
differently than you would for other patients? The
protection of private health information does
not change when you, a family member or friend
becomes the patient.
It is rarely appropriate for a caregiver to provide
healthcare to their own family member, and if you are
uncomfortable caring for an associate or someone you
know, notify your manager and ask to be reassigned.
by Diana Holub, HIPAA Privacy Officer
Don’t ever assume special privileges with health
information. It is a violation of HIPAA to access
information without a need to know to perform job
duties or to share information outside of treatment,
payment and healthcare operations.
It is possible to express your concern for those you
know without violating their right to privacy. Always
check with the staff of the unit prior to visiting an
associate who is in our care. It is easy to slip out of a
“professional” mode of behavior when we care for
someone we know, but it is important to remember
that our associates, family members and friends
deserve the preservation of their patient rights
while in our care.
Please report violations and concerns to
Diana Holub, HIPAA Privacy Officer at 751-4771.
Act F.A.S.T!
Know the Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
May is National Stroke Awareness Month and The Stroke Center at
Providence is committed to raising stroke awareness—giving you the tools
act F.A.S.T. It is important to manage risk factors and understand the stroke
signs and symptoms of stroke.
Acting F.A.S.T. is
key to receiving
proper treatment
and improving the
chance of recovery.
F= Face
A=Arms
S= Speech
T=Time
Smile—Does one side of the face droop?
Raise both arms—Does one arm drift downward?
Recite simple phrases—Does speech sound slurred or strange?
If you observe any of these signs, then it’s time to call 9-1-1.
Developing a Hand
Hygiene Compliant
Culture, Together!
April ended with over 82% hand hygiene
compliance. All associates are responsible
for hand hygiene. Let’s work together
toward a hand hygiene culture of
compliance greater than 95%.
The Pulse of Providence •
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