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We recently had a Quality Improvement Project Proposal submitted to look HIPAA compliance in our workplace. Browsing PHQIX I do not see that other projects have been submitted involving HIPAA compliance. Has anyone done something like this before? Thank you!
We are currently in our
We are currently in our second year of the full department renewing their HIPAA certifications. Are you looking for ideas for workforce development?
We have a policy and do
We have a policy and do annual training, but still seem to have some confidentiality issues. What I was struggling with is knowing what QI tools to use to determine current HIPPA procedures and processes to identify where the big issues are. But, as I have thought about it further, I think either Affinity Diagramming, Brainstorming and/or the Cause and Effect Fishbone Diagram will work. Thanks!
Kay Mittelstadt-Lock
MCM Coordinator
So are your referencing your
So are your referencing your workforce privacy practices? Security of confidential information?
HIPAA is a broad category - the basic elements of an effective compliance program might be a good starting point to review if these are in place - 1.) Is soomeone designated responsible? 2.) Are there policies & procedures? 3.) Training and education of staff and leadership? 4.) Effective communication channels? 5.) Auditing & monitoring 6.) Process for non-retaliatory reporting? 7.) Process to respond to and prevent further incidents?
Typically - 6 & 7 - will identify your high risk areas that you could use as your starting point to conduct your QI process
Hi Kay, I would recommend
Hi Kay, I would recommend doing at least 2 of the QI tools you mentioned, or another from the ASQ website (www.asq.org/learn-about-quality/quality-tools.html), to identify the root cause(s). Your project seems to be integrated agency-wide and may need a deeper level of investigation to figure out where to really focus your efforts. One of my favoites is the Five Whys because it is simple, yet highly effective. Good luck!
Gurleen Roberts, MPH
Director of Quality Management
Cobb & Douglas Public Health
Marietta, GA
gurleen.roberts@dph.ga.gov