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Question

Pick the correct answer/answers from the choices below:

a) A mechanical safeguard is defined as a process that prevents retaliatory actions against those reporting HIPAA violations.
b) The internet is not an approved medium for transmitting PHI (patient health information).
c) Removal of progress notes from a patient record is a violation of HIPAA.
d) Encryption is not considered to be a security safeguard.

Answer 1

The correct answer is c. Removing progress notes is a HIPAA violation.

Medical progress notes are part of the medical record. The medical record must be complete, accurate, and properly maintained. To remove, alter, or destroy any official medical document, including progress notes or other parts of a medical record, one must go through an authorized process to legally amend the record. To do otherwise it is a violation of HIPAA documentation requirements, and compromises the integrity of patient care.