Conversations, footfall, medical equipment, televisions, telephones, carts and mechanical systems - noise is ever-present in healthcare facilities. That can add to patient stress and prevent healing rest. Staff members have a hard time concentrating on their work in a noisy environment. It can be easier to make errors.

Speech privacy is also a concern. Patients know if they can overhear conversations occurring in neighboring areas, others may hear their exchanges as well. That can make them uncomfortable and less likely to speak freely with caregivers.

United States HIPAA Requirements

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has developed a set of federal health privacy regulations as part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). These privacy standards include consideration for the verbal communication of Protected Health Information (PHI) or of any individually identifiable health information. Verbal communications include a variety of spoken interaction such as in-person discussion with customers and between employees, as well as telephone conversation.

HHS does not expect that those in the healthcare industry will eliminate all risk associated with overhearing PHI. Instead, the regulations require entities take “reasonable safeguards” to ensure speech privacy, including administrative, technical and physical measures. A non-specific requirement such as “reasonable efforts” makes a determination of compliance difficult; however, it is clearly insufficient to not take any action. Organizations must review their own practices to evaluate compliance with these requirements.

For more information, visit:

Department of Health and Human Services

www.hhs.gov

HHS Office of Civil Rights

www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/

Partial Client List