Clinical-Excellence

HCA Minimum Necessary: The Privacy Principle in Action

Posted by HWS Clinical Ops on Sep 24, 2025 2:03:15 PM

 

 Minimum Necessary:                   The Privacy Principle in Action

Access Only What You Need  

 Every time you access patient data, you are saying, "I need this to do my job." Even if your system allows access, that does not mean it is permitted. Workforce members are only permitted to view the minimum necessary PHI that is necessary for your role whether it’s oral, written, or electronic.

 When accessing patient information, ask yourself: 

  • Do I need this information to do my job?
  • Am I accessing only the minimum necessary to perform my duties?
  • Would I be comfortable explaining this access in an audit? 

Role-based access, authorization controls, and audits help enforce the minimum necessary standard. But it is up to you to use access responsibly. 

Failure to apply the minimum necessary requirements may result in a violation and sanctions being applied. 

Reminders for Responsible Access 

Routine vs. Non-Routine Requests: 

Routine disclosures must follow standard protocols that limit PHI to what’s reasonably necessary. 

Non-routine disclosures require individual review using established criteria. 

Confidential Information belongs to the Company. That means: 

  • Don’t share it with anyone who doesn’t have a need to know.
  • Don’t use unauthorized channels like personal email or social media to discuss it. 

Never post confidential information even if it seems harmless or anonymized. 

When minimum necessary does not apply 

  • Disclosures for treatment
  • Requests by the individual
  • HIPAA-compliant authorizations
  • Requests by public officials or researchers with proper documentation
  • Disclosures required by law 

Please reach out to your Facility Privacy Official (FPO) and Ethics & Compliance Officer (ECO) for questions and guidance. 

Announcements: 

Corporate Privacy Policies are currently unavailable through the Privacy Community SharePoint Site, as we are in the process of renumbering and relocating to the Ethics & Compliance SharePoint site. 

Facility Model Privacy Policies are currently still available on the Privacy Community SharePoint site. 

Should you need a copy of a Corporate Privacy Policy. Please contact the Corporate Privacy Department via the URGENT Privacy RI Message mailbox. 

We appreciate your patience during this transition and will notify you once access is restored. 

Looking for the latest updates from the Office for Civil Rights (OCR)? Visit the OCR Press Room for official news, enforcement actions, and policy updates, by clicking here.

 Email the URGENT Privacy RI Message mailbox.

Topics: All Network Staff

NCD Mission Hospital Reminders

Posted by HWS Clinical Ops on Jul 22, 2025 8:46:35 AM

Please review the below links needed for your area of care.

CHG Bathing Reminders

Dressing Change Orders

Care of the Deceased

Thank you,

Topics: All Network Staff, Mission Health

Language Services Update

Posted by HWS Clinical Ops on Nov 7, 2024 10:34:03 AM

Thank you,

Topics: All Network Staff

Appropriate Use of Electronic Communication Resources and Systems

Posted by HWS Clinical Ops on Oct 21, 2024 3:28:32 PM

Topics: All Network Staff

Wesley Healthcare Staff **MANDATORY** Education

Posted by HWS Clinical Ops on Oct 11, 2024 5:28:07 PM

**MANDATORY** Education DUE OCTOBER 14, 24

Time needed:   10 MINUTES 

Mandatory Education Link

 

Thank you,

HealthTrust Clinical Operations Team

Topics: Continental Division, All Network Staff, Wesley MC

Wesley Healthcare - 2024 Mandatory Practice Highlights - October Updates

Posted by HWS Clinical Ops on Oct 11, 2024 4:06:33 PM

Please review the below in partnership with HCA Wesley Healthcare facilities.

Contract Staff Huddle Highlights with QR Code

Thank you, 

HWS Clinical Operations Team

Topics: Continental Division, All Network Staff, All Nurses, Wesley MC

Glucometer Cleaning Process

Posted by HWS Clinical Ops on Nov 30, 2023 6:44:30 PM

In partnership with Largo hospital, please familiarize with the glucometer cleaning and disinfecting process.  

Glucometer Clean and Disinfect (Using 2 Wipes)

Patient safety is a top priority and this process will help ensure their safety.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership!

HWS Clinical Ops Team

Topics: Largo Medical Center, Patient Safety, All Network Staff, All Nurses

Texting Providers

Posted by HWS Clinical Ops on Jun 6, 2023 11:47:14 AM

In partnership with our facilities, please remember that texting physicians from your personal phone is not encrypted or HIPAA approved.  Please see below for a refresher regarding mobile communications with physicians.

Texting Providers

Thank you for your dedication to patient safety and HIPAA policies!

Topics: Patient Safety, San Antonio Division, All Network Staff, All Nurses

Safety Update: Defibrillator Fire Prevention

Posted by HWS Clinical Ops on May 1, 2023 1:59:31 PM

Within our HCA facilities, isolated events resulting in burn injury to the chest, neck, head and facial areas of the patient have been reported from defibrillator use.  While defibrillator fires are not completely preventable, with appropriate precautions and techniques, the risk can be mitigated. 

Please familiarize yourselves with the below documents to help us lower the risk of these events.

OR Fire Risk Assessment & Protocol

Patient Safety Defibrillator Huddle Card

Thank you for your dedication to patient safety!

Topics: Patient Safety, HCA, All Network Staff, All Nurses

Plain Language Code Conversions

Posted by HWS Clinical Ops on Apr 21, 2023 1:55:00 PM

In October,  the North Florida Division began to transition to utilizing Plain Language Codes for activating an emergency response.  This was implemented to promote standardized communication among caregivers across our NFD facilities to ensure clear communication and a coordinated response.  In addition, our patients and visitors will be able to respond appropriately to events that may impact their safety.  

 

Please see below.

 

Topics: North Florida Division, All Network Staff, All Nurses

Clinical Operations

As nurse leaders within HealthTrust Workforce Solutions, we partner with our colleagues to promote clinical excellence throughout the communities we serve. HealthTrust advocates on behalf of our ultimate client, the patient, ensuring that they receive the highest quality, cost-effective care in a professional, compassionate, and ethical environment. 

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