This unit applies to individuals working in a medical environment required to maintain confidentiality, privacy and security under legislation, and organisational policies and procedures. It covers working within accepted codes of conduct and following confidentiality, privacy provisions and security provisions.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Work within accepted codes of conduct

1.1. Ensure work is reviewed and approved by a health practitioner or senior administrator who has delegated task/s

1.2. Keep records up-to-date and complete tasks as required, neatly, accurately and in a timely manner

1.3. Seek clarification with relevant personnel of unclear or ambiguous procedures

1.4. Treat patients, colleagues and health practitioners with respect

1.5. Refer health related matters raised by patients back to medical practitioners

1.6. Take care to behave with honesty and integrity at all times

1.7. Communicate conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest promptly to manager or supervisor

2. Follow confidentiality and privacy procedures

2.1. Assess information and requests for information with regard to what is and what is not disclosable

2.2. Use discretion and judgement in all communications

2.3. Discuss patient-related matters within the confines of the facility and with appropriate personnel only

2.4. Seek advice and clarification with relevant personnel where potential confidentiality issues arise in dealings with patients, their families and others

3. Follow security procedures

3.1. Store and appropriately secure patient records and other confidential documentation

3.2. Clearly label and store securely according to organisational policies and procedures, all documents required by legislation to be stored for certain periods

3.3. Ensure drugs, equipment and other materials requiring secure storage and potentially posing an OHS threat to others, are stored securely at all times

Required skills

communication skills to clarify requirements and to resolve difficult issues with patients, their families and others

planning and organising skills to access and secure records.

Required knowledge

occupational health and safety (OHS) for example:

safe handling of specific dangerous goods (as relevant for enterprise)

manual handling

relevant legislation from all levels of government that affects business operations, codes of practice and national standards, such as:

anti-discrimination legislation

ethical principles

privacy laws

Freedom of Information Act

enterprise policies and procedures for confidentiality, privacy and security.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

documenting three examples of activities in which confidentiality, privacy and security are maintained, which may include:

examples of actions taken

how difficult situations were addressed

how guidance has been provided regarding confidentiality, privacy and security and clarification obtained on such matter when required

knowledge of relevant legislation from all levels of government.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to an actual workplace or simulated environment

access to office equipment and resources

examples of scenarios working with confidentiality, privacy and security issues.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate

review of record keeping

analysis of responses to case studies and scenarios

demonstration of techniques

observation of presentations

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and impact on own work routine

observation of performance in role plays

assessment of labelling and storage of patient records and other confidential documentation.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

BSBMED303B Maintain patient records

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant personnel may include:

health practitioners

other specialised staff

partners in the business

supervisor/manager

What is and what is not disclosable will be:

determined by the Privacy Act, the Freedom of Information Act, organisational policies and procedures, and guidelines in the practice manual which may include:

details of patients' conditions

financial information

names and addresses of patients

passwords

security arrangements

Unit sector

Administration - Medical Services Administration

This unit contains employability skills.