West Coast EMT Block One Exam

What must an EMT do to ensure adherence to HIPAA during internal reviews?

1. Share the details with all EMTs involved.

2. Remove PHI before discussing cases.

3. Obtain written consent from all patients.

4. Discuss findings in a public forum.

The correct answer is: Remove PHI before discussing cases.

To ensure adherence to HIPAA during internal reviews, it is crucial to remove Protected Health Information (PHI) before discussing cases. HIPAA, which stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is designed to protect the privacy and confidentiality of patient health information. When conducting internal reviews, it’s essential to discuss cases without directly identifying patients or revealing sensitive information that could lead to their identification. By removing PHI, EMTs help maintain patient privacy and confidentiality, aligning with HIPAA regulations. This practice enables the review process to focus on quality improvement and education without compromising the security of patients' personal health data. It ensures that discussions remain professional and relevant to improving service while safeguarding the rights of individuals. In contrast, sharing details with all EMTs involved or discussing findings in a public forum fails to protect patient confidentiality, making them unsuitable options. Obtaining written consent from all patients may not be feasible during internal reviews, as the emphasis is typically on overall case evaluation rather than individual disclosures. Thus, the removal of PHI is the best practice to maintain adherence to HIPAA during these internal reviews.