Code of Ethics

DRX 2-5ABC Member Confidentiality/Privacy and Member Rights/Responsibilities

It is the policy of US MED® to treat client/member protected health information confidentially and enforce secure safeguards.

Protected health information (PHI) is defined as any information, whether oral or recorded in any form or medium (to include verbal, faxed, electronic, computerized, telephonic, cellular, hard copy, etc.), that:"

(A) is created or received by a health care provider, health plan, public health authority, employer, life insurer, school or university, or health care clearinghouse; and

(B) relates to the past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition of any individual, the provision of health care to an individual, or the past, present, or future payment for the provision of health care to an individual.

The HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, describing how US MED® may use and disclose Protected Health Information (PHI), is included in the "New Member Packet" sent to each member in his/her initial order shipment. The Member Rights and Responsibilities form, defining the client/member rights and supplier responsibilities will also be included in this shipment.

Staff members will discuss client/member-related information with Company personnel only on a need-to-know basis. Accessibility to a client/member's records is to be limited between US MED® staff and authorized payers, governmental entities and physicians.

At time of set-up, each client/member or that client/member's legal representative will sign HIPAA authorization forms, allowing US MED® to obtain PHI from and release PHI to other involved physician(s) excluding the referring physician, and other organizations or individuals involved in that client/member's care. In order to release a client/member's PHI to any other entity, a Protected Health Information Privacy Agreement signed by the client/member or that client/member's legal representative must first be obtained. The member has the right to request a restriction on certain uses and disclosures of PHI. The member has the right to inspect and obtain a copy of PHI. This document must advise:

    • Description of PHI to be disclosed
    • Where the PHI is to be forwarded
    • Which entity/individual is permitted to receive the PHI
    • Expiration date of authorization (if applicable)

US MED® staff members will receive HIPAA privacy training during orientation. Proof of training will be placed in the employee's personnel record. The employee will be required to sign an Employment Conduct Agreement requiring that all confidential information, including passwords and any information received or transmitted by computer, to remain confidential. All fax transmissions of PHI require a cover sheet stating the confidentiality of the information to be transmitted.

These are some of the topics that are discussed in the HIPAA privacy training during orientation:

    • Definitions
    • HIPAA
    • Covered Entity
    • Protected Health Information
    • Individually Identifiable Health Information
    • Treatment, Payment and Healthcare Operations
    • Notice of Privacy Practices
    • Members Rights and Responsibilities
    • How We Can Protect Our Member's Privacy
    • Employees Responsibilities
    • Leaving a Voicemail
    • HIPAA Violations and Penalties
    • Company Privacy Officer

Reasonable measures will be taken to ensure the security of records against loss, defacement, tampering, and unauthorized use. Records will be stored in a manner that minimizes the possibility of damage from fire and water.

Personal identifying information will be eliminated from Quality Improvement documentation and other reports generated by US MED®

Client/member information will not be displayed in areas accessible to the public or unauthorized personnel. Any non-employee having access to records (e.g., contracted individuals, billing services, etc.) are required to sign a Protected Health Information Privacy Agreement which will be kept as part of their contract (business associate agreement).

US MED® will ensure that Business Associate Agreements are HIPAA and HITECH compliant.

Original records may only be removed from the Location with the Compliance Officer's permission or by court order. The Compliance Officer is responsible for determining what portion of the record may be copied for client/member care purposes, holding staff members accountable for copies in their possession and ensuring that copies are returned to Location for destruction. Records will be available for review by licensing, regulatory, and accrediting bodies.

Breach Handling

Example steps to be taken to document and remedy the situation:

When a potential violation has occurred, the Compliance Officer/Privacy Officer or President shall take corrective action as soon as possible by investigating the complaint.  The results of the investigation should be in writing and might include:

    • The nature of the complaint or potential violation.
    • The steps taken to investigate the complaint.
    • The facts revealed by the investigation.
    • The internal HIPAA policies or procedures related to the facts.
    • The appropriate remedial action to resolve the issue.

In this regard, the report might include sanctions against any employees who violated the policies, in addition to any actions required to mitigate the harmful effects of the violation. The report might also include steps that should be followed in the future to minimize the possibility of recurrence.

HIPAA Privacy and Security Breaches will be reported and handled according to local, state and federal guidelines. US MED® will abide by state, local, and federal laws; whichever is more stringent. Factors to be considered include but are not limited to:

    • Type of PHI at risk
    • Count of records exposed
    • Method of exposure
    • Foreseen risks resulting from the breach
CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS HIPAA Privacy Member Rights Request Form Member's have the right to request that we communicate about all or part of their protected health information by alternative means or to an alternative location
RESTRICTION REQUEST HIPAA Privacy Member Rights Request Form Members have the right to request that US MED® restrict the use or disclosure of their protected health information, including for treatment, payment or our health care operations.
ACCOUNTING OF DISCLOSURES HIPAA Privacy Member Rights Request Form Members have the right to an accounting of the disclosures US MED® or its business associates have made of their protected health information. They are entitled to one free disclosure accounting every 12 months.
AMENDMENT REQUEST HIPAA Privacy Member Rights Request Form Members have the right to request that US MED® change or amend their protected health information in the medical record that US MED® maintains. US MED® may approve or not approve the request under certain circumstances.
RECORD REQUEST HIPAA Privacy Member Rights Request Form Members have the right to request that US MED® provide a copy of their medical record and other health information we have about them. We will provide a copy or a summary of their health information, usually within 30 days of their request.
FILE A COMPLAINT Any acceptable form: Mail Phone Fax Email If you feel your rights have been violated or if Members have questions regarding this form, contact US MED®'s Privacy Officer by mail at 8260 NW 27th St. Suite 401, Miami, FL 33122; by phone at 866-916-5219; by fax at 877-659-9871; or by email at [email protected].