do i need to obtain consent from my patients to implement a patient portal?

by Jenifer Hamill 9 min read

Do I need to obtain consent from my patients to …

13 hours ago Jan 15, 2013 · Do I need to obtain consent from my patients to implement a patient portal? No. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ( HIPAA) permits the disclosure of health information to the patient without requiring the patient's express consent. >> Go To The Portal


Do I need to obtain consent from my patients to implement a patient portal? No. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) permits the disclosure of health information to the patient without requiring the patient's express consent.

No. Patient portals are simply another means of medical record maintenance, and more specifically, medical record access. Patients do not need to sign an authorization or “opt in” to have their records uploaded or transferred to the portal.Aug 11, 2014

Full Answer

Do I need written consent from a patient for treatment?

Jan 15, 2013 · Do I need to obtain consent from my patients to implement a patient portal? No. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ( HIPAA) permits the disclosure of health information to the patient without requiring the patient's express consent.

Who is ultimately responsible for the consent of the patient?

Jun 06, 2018 · The Patient's Role in Informed Consent. Although a doctor is required to inform their patient about benefits, risks, and alternative treatments, patients must also play a part in the informed consent process. Patients must listen to the physician and should ask questions if they don't understand or would like more detailed information.

How do patients participate in the informed consent process?

Apr 21, 2021 · Obtaining informed consent. Once your patient has decided to use telehealth for an appointment, you may be required to get their official informed consent. While specific informed consent laws vary by state, these common sense actions are always a good idea: When you meet with a patient, explain what they can expect from the telehealth visit ...

What are the advantages of obtaining consent from patients?

Oct 11, 2019 · In a healthcare setting, informed consent allows you to participate in your own medical care. It enables you to decide which treatments you do or do not want to receive. Also, informed consent ...

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What must be done when creating a patient portal?

4 Steps to Successful Patient Portal Adoption, Integration
  • Outline clinic or hospital needs, goals.
  • Select a patient portal vendor.
  • Create provider buy-in.
  • Market the patient portal to end-users.
Jun 6, 2017

How do you secure a patient portal?

Here are five ways organizations can bring their patient portal security up-to-date and keep their networks safe from unauthorized access:
  1. Portal sign-up process should be automated. ...
  2. Keep anti-virus and malware software up to date. ...
  3. Multifactor verification is a must. ...
  4. Protect patient identities with identity solutions.
Mar 20, 2020

What is the difference between EHR and patient portal?

PHRs, EHRs and patient portals

But EHRs contain more extensive information because they're used by health care providers to store visit notes, test results and much more. A PHR that is tied to an EHR is called a patient portal.

How do you optimize patient portals for patient engagement and meet meaningful use requirements?

Meet Meaningful Use Requirements

The portal must be engaging and user- friendly, and must support patient-centered outcomes. The portal also must be integrated into clinical encounters so the care team uses it to convey information, communicate with patients, and support self-care and decision-making as indicated.

What are the security issues associated with engaging patients through an online patient portal?

Some of these risks include: reliance on the patient portal as a sole method of patient communication; patient transmission of urgent/emergent messages via the portal; the posting of critical diagnostic results prior to provider discussions with patients; and possible security breaches resulting in HIPAA violations.Mar 1, 2021

Is secure patient portal legit?

The Secure Patient Portal is a safe and easy way for your doctor or clinic to electronically share your healthcare information with you. After you make an account and log in, you will be able to see messages and download documents that have been sent to you.

Which of the following is a challenge in the implementation of electronic health records?

Challenges of electronic health records infrastructure are due to information technology, lack of uniform definitions and concepts, cultural problems, and lack of needs assessment before implementation and the challenges of structural are due to instability enforced, violations of privacy and legal cases, compromise ...

Does EHR use encourage patients to participate in their own healthcare?

EHRs, PHRs, and other health IT developments tend to make many patients more active participants in their own health care.Sep 26, 2018

How do patients typically access a PHR that is tethered to a provider or health plan?

How do patients typically access a PHR that is tethered to a provider or health plan? Via a patient portal.

How do you educate patients on patient portals?

Here are some ways to encourage patient enrollment:
  1. Include information about the patient portal on your organization's website.
  2. Provide patients with an enrollment link before the initial visit to create a new account.
  3. Encourage team members to mention the patient portal when patients call to schedule appointments.
Jun 25, 2020

How can patient compliance with portal registration be increased?

Offer an incentive for patient registration, such as entering the patient's name in a drawing for a prize (such as a restaurant gift card) or offering an incentive (such as a movie ticket or waived co-pay). Host a contest for staff, awarding a prize for the employee who signs up the most new patients for the portal.

What are the top pros and cons of adopting patient portals?

What are the Top Pros and Cons of Adopting Patient Portals?
  • Pro: Better communication with chronically ill patients.
  • Con: Healthcare data security concerns.
  • Pro: More complete and accurate patient information.
  • Con: Difficult patient buy-in.
  • Pro: Increased patient ownership of their own care.
Feb 17, 2016

Who should speak to a patient about informed consent?

Physicians themselves, rather than a representative, nurse, or other related health care professional, are the best choice to speak to the patient about informed consent. In discussing the matter with the patient, the doctor should cover: The patient's diagnosis, if it is known; The nature and purpose of the proposed treatment or procedure;

Who must sign informed consent documents?

The patient, or the patient's legally authorized representative consenti ng to the treatment on the patient's behalf, must sign and date the informed consent documents;

What is informed consent?

Although the specific definition of informed consent may vary from state to state, it basically means that a physician (or other medical provider) must tell a patient all of the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives involved in any surgical procedure, medical procedure, or other course of treatment, and must obtain the patient's written consent to proceed.

What is the principle of disclosure of information to the patient?

The concept is based on the principle that a physician has a duty to disclose information to the patient so they can make a reasonable decision regarding treatment.

What to say to a doctor who has no idea what you just said?

You should look your physician in the eye and say, "I have no idea what you just said so I won't say that plan sounds good. Explain it to me in detail and tell me exactly what all of those words mean."

What is the diagnosis of a patient?

The patient's diagnosis, if it is known; The nature and purpose of the proposed treatment or procedure; The benefits and risks of that proposed treatment or procedure; The alternatives to the proposed treatment or procedure;

Can you get informed consent in an emergency?

Emergency Situations. In emergency situations, there's not always time to obtain a patient's informed consent, nor is it always possible when the patient is unconscious or unable to communicate. For example, the federal Food and Drug Administration allows for the use of experimental drugs or devices in emergency situations without informed consent ...

What to do if someone is observing a visit?

If there’s anyone observing the visit, tell the patient and get their consent at the start.

Do you need informed consent for telehealth?

Obtaining informed consent. Once your patient has decided to use telehealth for an appointment, you may be required to get their official informed consent. While specific informed consent laws vary by state, these common sense actions are always a good idea: When you meet with a patient, explain what they can expect from ...

What is consent form?

This form is a legal document that shows your participation in the decision and your agreement to have the procedure done.

Why is informed consent required in research?

It informs the participants about the trial and lets them make educated decisions about taking part in the study. The process is similar to informed consent in healthcare. In a research setting, it involves discussing the following:

When a healthcare provider recommends a specific procedure, do you have the right to accept or refuse it?

If you decide to move forward, you’ll need to give informed consent first.

What to do if you have questions about your medical care?

As the patient, you have the right to make informed choices about your medical care and what works best for you.

What does it mean when you sign a medical form?

When you sign the form, it means: You received all the relevant information about your procedure from your healthcare provider. You understand this information. You used this information to determine whether or not you want the procedure. You agree, or consent, to get some or all of the treatment options.

What is the role of medical information in decision making?

your understanding of the medical information. your voluntary decision to get treatment. These components are essential elements of the shared decision-making process between you and your healthcare provider. Most importantly, it empowers you to make educated and informed decisions about your health and medical care.

What to do if you don't want a procedure?

If you don’t want a procedure or treatment, you can choose to not sign the form. Your healthcare provider won’t be able to provide specific types of treatment if you don’t agree to it.

What is consent in medical terms?

Consent is given voluntarily, without coercion, and may be withdrawn. The patient is competent and able to understand the nature and consequences of the proposed treatment or procedure.

What should be discussed in consent?

Even a small chance of death or serious disability is significant. Alternative treatments, including the risk of no treatment, should be discussed. Explanations should be tailored to your patient's particular competency, comprehension, need, and desire for detail.

What to address in informed consent discussion?

During the informed consent discussion, address the most serious risks, the less serious risks with a high likelihood of occurring, and any other risks to which your patient attaches significance. Enter documentation of the discussion on either the form or in the patient's medical record.

What to do if a patient refuses life saving treatment?

If you, and other clinicians involved, believe a patient who is refusing life saving treatment may not be fully competent, you may need to proceed without a completed consent form. Fully document your decision and your reasons. You may also want to contact your risk manager or institutional legal department.

Why is informed consent important?

Ideally, informed consent discussions build trust and reduce surprise and disappointment if complications or adverse events occur. Informed consent covers general issues of managing an illness and specific procedures being proposed. Completion of a consent form is necessary for most invasive procedures.

Why is it important to document informed refusal?

Documentation of the informed refusal is also crucial to support the clinical decision making.

When should informed consent be conducted?

When practical, the informed consent discussion should be conducted when you and the patient have time to ask and answer questions, not on the way to the operating room. The process may occur over a period of several discussions, culminating in the signing of a consent form.

What is the HHS requirement for consent?

The HHS regulations require that “An investigator shall seek such consent only under circumstances that provide the prospective subject or the representative sufficient opportunity to consider whether or not to participate and that minimize the possibility of coercion or undue influence ” ( 45 CFR 46.116 ).

What is consent form?

The consent form is intended, in part, to provide information for the potential subject’s current and future reference and to document the interaction between the subject and the investigator. However, even if a signed consent form is required, it alone does not constitute an adequate consent process.

What is the requirement for informed consent in research?

When informed consent is required, it must be sought prospectively, and documented to the extent required under HHS regulations at 45 CFR 46.117. [Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations at 21 CFR part 50 may also apply if the research involves a clinical investigation regulated by FDA.]

How far in advance can a subject consent to a study?

The HHS regulations at 45 CFR part 46 do not specify how far in advance of study entry a subject can provide consent. The amount of time required by a subject to make a decision would presumably depend on the nature of the study, taking into account, among other factors, the degree of risk, potential benefits, alternatives, and desire to consult with family members or others. However, if a prolonged period of time elapses from the date of consent to the date of entry into the study even if there have been no changes in the study design or no new significant findings affecting the study it might be prudent to review the information contained in the consent form with the subject prior to initiating any research procedures with the subject.

How effective is informed consent?

Informed consent is legally effective if it is both obtained from the subject or the subject’s legally authorized representative and documented in a manner that is consistent with the HHS protection of human subjects regulations and with applicable laws of the jurisdiction in which the research is conducted. In general terms, the regulations stipulate that an investigator should seek consent only under circumstances that provide the prospective subject or the legally authorized representative sufficient opportunity to consider whether to participate and that minimize the possibility of coercion or undue influence. The information provided should be in language that is understandable to the subject or the representative. No informed consent, whether oral or written, may include any exculpatory language.

What is the term for an overt or implicit threat of harm that is intentionally presented by one person to another in order

Coercion occurs when an overt or implicit threat of harm is intentionally presented by one person to another in order to obtain compliance. For example, an investigator might tell a prospective subject that he or she will lose access to needed health services if he or she does not participate in the research.

What is informed consent?

The informed consent process is an ongoing exchange of information between the investigator and the subject and could include, for example, use of question and answer sessions, community meetings, and videotape presentations.

What is the HHS protection of human subjects?

Protecting human subjects during research activities is critical and has been at the forefront of HHS activities for decades. In addition, HHS is committed to taking every appropriate opportunity to measure and improve the quality of care for patients. These two important goals typically do not intersect, since most quality improvement efforts are not research subject to the HHS protection of human subjects regulations. However, in some cases quality improvement activities are designed to accomplish a research purpose as well as the purpose of improving the quality of care, and in these cases the regulations for the protection of subjects in research (45 CFR part 46) may apply.

Do human subjects have to be identified?

Yes, whether or not these activities are research, they do not involve “human subjects.” The regulation defines a “human subject” as “a living individual about whom an investigator conducting research obtains (1) data through intervention or interaction with the individual, or (2) identifiable private information….Private information must be individually identifiable (i.e., the identity of the subject is or may readily be ascertained by the investigator or associated with the information) in order for obtaining the information to constitute research involving human subjects.” Thus, if the research project includes the analysis of data for which the investigators cannot readily ascertain the identity of the subjects and the investigators did not obtain the data through an interaction or intervention with living individuals for the purposes of the research, the analyses do not involve human subjects and do not have to comply with the HHS protection of human subjects regulations.

Can IRB review multiple institutions?

No, not if certain conditions are met. The HHS protection of human subjects regulations allow one IRB to review and approve research that will be conducted at multiple institutions. An institution has the option of relying upon IRB review from another institution by designating that IRB on its FWA and submitting the revised FWA to OHRP, and having an IRB Authorization Agreement with the other institution.

Can IRB waive informed consent?

No, the HHS regulations protecting human subjects allow an IRB to waive the requirements for obtaining informed consent of the subjects of the research when. the risk to the subjects is minimal, subjects’ rights and welfare will not be adversely affected by the waiver, conducting the research without the waiver is not practicable, and.

What is consent to treatment?

Patient Consent to Treatment. Every human being of adult years and sound mind has a right to determine what shall be done with his/her own body [i]. All types of medical treatment require a patient’s consent. Consent is the permission necessary to start treatment.

What is consent in medical terms?

Consent is the permission necessary to start treatment. Medical ethics and international human rights law necessitate consent as a prerequisite for initiating medical treatment. The essentials of a valid consent are: Consent must be voluntarily made; The patient must be informed of all the information regarding the treatment before the application;

What is consent given without knowing its dangers?

A consent given without knowing its dangers and the degree of danger, is a consent that does not represent a choice and is inadequate [vi]. Only the physician giving treatment or performing an operation has a duty to inform the patient of the risks involved.

What is express consent?

Express consent is given to carry out a specific action. Implied consent can be inferred from their actions, the facts and circumstances of a particular situation. Implied consent can be obtained from a patient’s silence. There is no legal requirement to obtain written consent from a patient for medical treatment.

Why do doctors give information about a particular treatment?

Doctors give information about a particular treatment or test in order that a patient can decide whether or not to undergo such treatment or test. This process of understanding the risks and benefits of treatment is known as informed consent. It is based on the moral and legal premise of patient autonomy.

Which state requires a physician to obtain the signature of the patient to a statement containing an explanation of the procedure

For example the state of Nevada requires a physician to obtain the signature of the patient to a statement containing an explanation of the procedure, alternative methods of treatment, and risks involved [iv]. The principles governing consent for medical treatment are: consent must be valid;

Is consent necessary in an emergency?

Moreover, in case of an emergency, consent is not necessary [ii]. In case of an emergency, a surgeon can operate on a child without waiting for authority from the parents where it appears impracticable to secure consent [iii]. Consent can be either explicit or implied.

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