Business Practices Alert

Privacy & Confidentiality March 2020

COVID-19: Preparation & Privacy

NEW VIRUS,
SAME STANDARDS
In recent weeks, we’ve all been
following news around the novel
coronavirus and its spreading
impact. But even though COVID-
19 is new, caring for patients
and our obligation to protect
their privacy are not. To avoid
compromising patient privacy or
harming Houston Methodist’s
reputation, keep these
standards in mind.

SNOOPING
Access to patient records is restricted to legitimate business purposes only. Accessing records out of curiosity or
concern is prohibited by Houston Methodist policy and the law, and you may be terminated.

GOSSIP
While it can be tempting to share information with colleagues, friends, and family, remember that your obligation to
our patients comes first. Share patient information only with others who have a legitimate business need to know.
Failure to do so is grounds for termination. If friends and family want to know more about COVID-19, point them to the
CDC’s resources, available at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Information you learn about a patient in the course of your work cannot be posted to the internet. If you see other HM
employees posting information about patients on social media or websites, do not engage in the conversation.
Instead, report the posting to Business Practices. Failure to comply with this policy may also result in termination.

MEDIA STATEMENTS
If you are approached by a member of the media asking for information about patients, do not respond to questions or
give comments. Refer the individual to our Public Relations department.

RESPECT
Above all, remember the ICARE Value of respect. Maintain your professionalism, remember your training, and help us
nurture an environment where patients feel safe and confident in coming to Houston Methodist. To report privacy
concerns, contact the BP EthicsLine at 800.500.0333 or at tmhs.myethicsline.com.

BP EthicsLine: 800.500.0333 | tmhs.myethicsline.com

Prepared by the Houston Methodist Business Practices Office. For more information, please contact Dan
Pantera, Houston Methodist Business Practices Officer, at dpantera@houstonmethodist.org or 713.383.5177.
Archives are available on the Business Practices homepage. Review Policies IM06 and IM26, and the
Respecting Health Information Privacy handbook. BP in Practice (excluding art) ©2020 Houston Methodist