Order 4037008.docx - 1 We Can, but Dare We? Student’s Name...

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We Can, but Dare We?
Student’s Name
Professor’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
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The contemporary society is experiencing rapid advancements and change in technology.
The dynamics of technology comes along with trial and error in the process. In the health care set
up, nurses seem to have embraced the use of new technological platforms including but not
limited to social media such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. However, in this field, certain
limitations have to be acknowledged as far as use of technology is concerned among nurses. In
this case, HIPAA deem relevant in the health care practices. Health Insurance and Portability and
Accountability (HIPAA) entail laws established back in 1996. The laws are meant to take control
and ensure protection of health data and providing health insurance services for personnel who
happen to change jobs. Also, through the HIPAA, the patient’s privacy is safeguarded as he or
she receives medical attention. Therefore, in the area of nursing and general medical care,
HIPAA is a vital pillar (Chen & Benusa, 2017) . Upon receiving medical attention, most patients
are often assured of their sensitive medical and personal information being confidential. Health
care givers are always trained and equipped with relevant skills that enable them to abide by
HIPAA privacy act and laws. In the process, the privacy of patients is not violated. With the use
of verbal or written consent, the patient has the opportunity to decide who and when to share
their PHI with. Considering the case scenario involving Jussie Smollett, this paper examines the
violation of HIPAA as well as the use of technology in health care as well as its merits and
demerits in the area of nursing.
Even under protected environments, patient’s information remains at high risks of leaking
to the public. This is influenced by various environmental factors. Reflecting on the case study
presented, the medical staff and a physician are seen discussing about the treatment of Jussie
Smollett among themselves. They medical officers are heard closely by other people within the
premises. Also, while in the room with the patient, other patients get a glimpse of the discussion.

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Such events are very common even with the establishment of HIPAA. Often, this is inevitable
and most health care facilities consider such events as non-violation of HIPAA.