Medical records are not disclosed to patient families or friends without the permission from the patient in a written legal document "stating that the patient allowed their record to be a transfer or communicated to a third party”. Every healthcare provider seeking information of a patient medical record provides document patient sign over to them. Thus as a HIM professional, they are to inform them that such information cannot be disclosed without permission from the patient in legal form from verbal, visual, and written form. Therefore, in Mary case she cannot legally disclose information regarding a patient record regardless what connection she have with the patient. Although Ron is considered a threat to Patricia, She cannot communicate his information …show more content…
They would take the necessary step to notify her if they feel like the patient exposing other through risky behavior by not informing his sexual partner of his disease. It would be considered unethical and violate the patient right for privacy because it breaches of confidentiality agreement giving to the patient as a safety blanket to know they information is not shared in a malicious manner. When patient feel like their information is not confidential to the point anyone can obtain their record. It would make it less likely for a patient to seek treatment with the fear of other knowing their information from a simple STD or terminal illness. The patient safety is in HIM hand even when HIM do not physically touch the patient, but the record store and organize to enabled the physician to provide accurate treatment for a patient is their lifeline. Therefore, Mary as an HIM professionals (student) understands the risk that comes from being reckless and therefore expected to keep what she learns