Merging two organizations with distinct corporate cultures and operational structures is a formidable task, particularly in the healthcare sector where compliance with regulations like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is crucial. The challenge intensifies when the entities involved operate on varying scales, such as a large healthcare organization and a smaller clinic. Each has its unique way of communicating and implementing policies, making the integration process intricate.
Policy Selection for HIPAA Compliance
Implementing cell phone use policies in healthcare settings requires careful consideration to ensure HIPAA compliance. Regardless of the size or structure of the organization, certain principles must be universally upheld:
- Patient confidentiality and privacy must be respected at all times. Recording patient information without explicit consent is prohibited.
- The safe operation of cell phone equipment is paramount since their use can interfere with medical devices and distract operators.
- Cell phone usage should not interrupt patients or staff members, as it can be a significant distraction.
These guidelines, highlighted in a policy from the Jewish General Hospital, illustrate the fundamental considerations for cell phone use in healthcare environments (Jewish General Hospital Cell Phone Use Policy).
Policy Implementation Considerations
Effective implementation hinges on several factors, crucial among them being the engagement of all stakeholders in the policy development process. This includes not just management and employees but also contractors and other individuals directly or indirectly associated with the organization. The policies formulated should be practical, understandable, and enforceable across all organizational levels, ensuring that the same rules apply to everyone, including managers.
Information about the new policy must be accessible to all, accompanied by adequate training to facilitate compliance. It’s also essential to periodically review and adjust the policy as necessary to ensure its effectiveness. Planning, understanding the organizational structure, and incorporating feedback from all levels of the organization are vital steps toward successful implementation (Weekes, 2017).
Key Implementation Steps
For a policy to be embraced and adhered to by the entire organization, it’s crucial that every member understands their role in the process and is engaged in working together as a cohesive unit. The objectives of enhancing patient privacy and safety, along with clear expectations, measures of success, reporting mechanisms, defined roles, and the rationale behind the policy, should be communicated effectively to all team members (Johnson, 2015).
If communicated effectively, everyone within the organization should recognize the importance of the policy in protecting patient privacy and providing a safer work environment.
Bibliography
- Rosenthal, S. (n.d.). Jewish General Hospital [Cell Phone Use Policy]. Montreal, Québec. http://jgh.ca/uploads/common/jgh%20cell%20phone%20policy.pdf
- Weekes, J. (2017, November 09). Step-by-Step: How to implement effective policies and procedures. Retrieved November 10, 2018, from https://www.healthandsafetyhandbook.com.au/step-by-step-how-to-implement-effective-policies-and-procedures/
- Johnson, R. (2015). Security Policies and Implementation Issues; Second Edition. Jones and Bartlett Learning.
