HIPAA privacy implementation issues in Pennsylvania healthcare facilities

A 20-question survey was sent in the mail to HIM directors in Pennsylvania healthcare facilities to solicit feedback regarding implementation issues of the HIPAA privacy rule requirements. Questions focused on gathering basic demographic data, information on HIM involvement with the privacy rule requirements, the procedures whereby facilities were meeting the privacy rule requirements, occurrences of confidentiality breaches, and respondents' perceptions about the privacy rule. Findings suggested that HIM professionals continue to be involved with many areas of the privacy rule and have taken on new responsibilities with this involvement. Findings also suggested that respondents did not think the privacy rule would prevent future confidentiality breaches. Only half of respondents thought that the privacy regulations were even necessary. Many respondents felt their level of importance within their facility increased.