Unit IV Essay
Instructions
For this assignment, write an essay about workplace laws. Summarize at least two of the regulations or workplace laws that health care professionals need to know as they relate to the profession. These may be regulations or laws that are to protect the employee, protect a patient, or protect both.Support your essay with at least two peer-reviewed sources from the CSU Online Library. Be sure to include an introduction and conclusion.Your essay must be at least two pages in length, not counting the title or reference pages. Adhere to APA style when constructing this assignment, including in-text citations and references for all sources that are used. Please note that no abstract is needed.Resources
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: In the healthcare industry, there are various regulations and workplace laws that healthcare professionals should be aware of. It is important for them to have knowledge of these regulations and laws to ensure the safety of patients and employees. In this essay, we will summarize two regulations or workplace laws that healthcare professionals need to understand.
One of the regulations that healthcare professionals need to understand is the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). OSHA is a federal regulation that aims to set standards to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for employees in all industries, including healthcare. In the healthcare industry, healthcare professionals face various hazards, including infectious diseases, hazardous chemicals, and violent patients. OSHA requires healthcare employers to provide a workplace that is free from recognized hazards and to provide employees with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure their safety. Healthcare professionals are mandated to receive training in the use of PPE to ensure that they can protect themselves from exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous chemicals.
Another important workplace law that healthcare professionals need to understand is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA is a federal regulation that protects the privacy and security of patient health information. Healthcare professionals are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of patient health information. This regulation requires the implementation of procedures and policies to protect patient information, such as the use of unique patient identifiers, authorization processes for access to patient information, and the proper disposal of patient records.
In conclusion, healthcare professionals should be familiar with and adhere to OSHA and HIPAA regulations in their workplaces. Understanding and following these regulations are essential to ensuring the safety and privacy of patients and the safety of healthcare professionals in the workplace.