(PHOENIX, Ariz., June 15, 2004) – Securing and protecting one’s identity is a hot issue these days as more and more people find themselves battling the aftermath of a stolen identity or fraudulent crisis. Due to advancements in technology and information transfer, privacy of medical information and the protection of it, is becoming one of the fastest growing career opportunities in healthcare.

In an effort to combat this increasing problem, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) set privacy standards and/or rules that are now being enforced across the country. These standardized rules have made their way into the classroom and have been embedded into the college curriculum. For years, the Phoenix College Health Information Technology (HIT) Program has been a leader in educating students on the importance of patient privacy.

Due to the new rules of HIPAA, it is not uncommon to walk into a doctor’s office or pharmacy and see how employees are carefully monitoring and protecting patient information. For example, from the pharmacy to the general physician’s office, privacy statements are now given out to all patients upon visit. This is just one example of how HIPAA is changing the medical profession to ensure the patient’s privacy.

As one of the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges, Phoenix College takes great pride in adding to the 48 percent increase in graduates from healthcare programs within the Maricopa Community Colleges since the 2000 academic year. The Phoenix College HIT Program is just another example of how the college is truly providing students with the tools needed to be workforce ready when they leave.

“We’ve always been instrumental in educating our students on their responsibility of protecting a patient’s privacy,” said Dr. Bonnie Petterson, Department Chair of Phoenix College HIT. “This message is embedded in virtually every class that a HIT student takes; however, we also require specific courses in Legal Aspects of Health Information and Health Information Systems that focus on electronic and computerized patient records. Keeping patients’ records confidential is a primary focus of what we do and this message is certainly understood and practiced by our students.”

Identification of a privacy officer responsible for organizational regulatory compliance is another HIPAA requirement.

Since the rules were implemented in 1996, the demand for privacy officers has increased across the board in virtually all healthcare settings. The role of a privacy officer includes ensuring that all employees are actively protecting and securing patient information.

Donna Estabrook, Phoenix College HIT alum and Manager of Medical Records & Patient Services at ASU Student Health and Wellness Center was appointed privacy officer of her facility based on her health information skill set, which includes a strong emphasis on patient confidentiality.

“The privacy officer is a pivotal individual in today’s healthcare setting,” she said. “With the implementation of stricter privacy standards as mandated by HIPAA, it is even more essential to safeguard patient medical information. The value that a privacy officer brings to an organization is significant as they ensure that the organization is in compliance with the privacy standards.”

Protecting patient information is an important part of the healthcare profession. As privacy standards continue to be enforced throughout the country, the demand for privacy officers will increase. To meet this increasing demand the Phoenix College HIT Program will continue to provide students with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the healthcare profession.

For more information on the Phoenix College Health Information Technology Program, please contact (602) 285-7427.

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