Health Care Organizations Develop Operational Policies And P

Health Care Organizations Develop Operational Policies And Procedures

Health care organizations develop operational policies and procedures that not only meet the organization’s purpose and mission but that are also compliant with state and federal regulations. This week differences between a law and policy are investigated. We will investigate how a policy is developed from regulations, which are based on a specific law(s) designed to protect confidentiality and secure protected health information (PHI). Read Health Care Policy Trends From the 2021 State Legislative Session for a better understanding of current trends in health care policies. Review the Extra Help and Example to find tips and guidance on completing the assignment: Week 2 Assignment---Extra Help and Example for Completion of the Health Care Policies Worksheet.docx Complete the Health Care Policies Worksheet: Week 2 Assignment---Health Care Policies Worksheet.docx Cite a minimum of 2 reputable references used to complete your chart. Reputable references include trade or industry publications, government or agency websites, scholarly works, a textbook, or other sources of similar quality. Meet the Minimum Word Count Requirement : Each Section has a minimum word count requirement noted in the instructions (heading for the worksheet). There is a five point penalty assessed for each section of work that is short of meeting the minimum word count required. APA Citation and Reference Help: For information on how to properly cite your sources, log on to the Reference and Citation Generator in the Center for Writing Excellence (CWE). Format your references section and references used in your chart according to APA guidelines.

Paper For Above instruction

Developing operational policies and procedures within healthcare organizations is a critical process that ensures organizational compliance, promotes quality care, safeguards patient confidentiality, and adheres to legal standards. These policies are derived from regulations that are rooted in laws enacted by federal and state governments, which serve to protect protected health information (PHI) and ensure secure handling of patient data. Understanding how laws translate into organizational policies is vital for healthcare administrators and policymakers to create effective and compliant operational frameworks.

Understanding the Difference Between Laws and Policies

In the healthcare context, laws are legal statutes enacted by legislative bodies and are enforceable through legal actions. They set the minimum standards of conduct for healthcare entities and professionals. Policies, on the other hand, are organizational statements that provide guidance on how to comply with laws and regulations. They translate legislative mandates into specific practices within an organization. For example, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a federal law aimed at protecting patient privacy and securing PHI. Based on HIPAA, healthcare organizations develop policies to ensure staff confidentiality, secure electronic records, and establish breach notification procedures.

Developing Policies from Regulations and Laws

The development of policies from regulations begins with understanding the applicable laws that govern healthcare operations. Legal mandates such as HIPAA, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act influence the creation of internal policies. Healthcare organizations conduct legal compliance assessments, involving legal counsel or compliance officers, to identify specific requirements from these laws. The next step involves drafting policies that incorporate legal requirements and operational best practices to ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and maintain standards of care.

Current Trends in Healthcare Policy

Recent legislative sessions have seen evolving trends in healthcare policies, reflecting concerns over data security, patient access to records, and public health emergencies. For instance, State legislatures have introduced policies expanding telehealth services, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and strengthening privacy protections for PHI (Health Care Policy Trends, 2021). The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated policy adaptations, especially in telehealth and digital data sharing, prompting healthcare practices to implement more robust confidentiality protocols and data security strategies. These trends demonstrate an increasing emphasis on balancing technological advancement with privacy safeguards.

Tools and Resources for Policy Development

Developing effective policies requires appropriate tools and guidance. Resources such as the Health Care Policies Worksheet help in systematically outlining legal requirements, organizational procedures, and review processes. Tips include engaging multidisciplinary teams, staying current with legislative updates, and consulting reputable sources such as government health agencies and scholarly publications. APA citation guidelines should be strictly followed to ensure the credibility and traceability of source materials used in policy formulation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, operational policies in healthcare are essential frameworks derived from laws that aim to protect patient rights and ensure compliance. The process of policy development involves translating complex legal regulations into practical organizational procedures that uphold confidentiality, data security, and quality standards. Staying abreast of current policy trends and utilizing reputable resources ensures these policies remain relevant and effective in the dynamic healthcare environment.

References

• Health Care Policy Trends From the 2021 State Legislative Session. (2021). National Conference of State Legislatures. https://www.ncsl.org
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2023). Summary of the HIPAA Privacy Rule. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/laws-regulations/index.html
• Office for Civil Rights. (2022). HIPAA Security Rule. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/security/index.html
• Rhodes, R. E. (2017). Healthcare Law and Compliance: Principles and Practice. Oxford University Press.
• McLeod, A., & Gambera, M. (2020). Healthcare Data Privacy and Security. Journal of Healthcare Management, 65(4), 263-271.
• American Health Information Management Association. (2022). Developing Effective Privacy Policies. AHIMA Publications.
• Gostin, L. O., & Hodge, J. G. (2019). Data Privacy in a Digital Health Environment. JAMA, 322(18), 1799–1800.
• Institute of Medicine. (2015). For the Public’s Health: Investing in a Healthier Future. National Academies Press.
• Levy, C., & Oquendo, M. A. (2022). Legal Aspects of Healthcare Policy. Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 50(2), 283-291.
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2021). Telehealth Policy and Regulations. https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Telehealth