AHIMA Code of Ethics Overview

Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of the Code of Ethics?

To promote competition among health information professionals

To guide professional ethics for AHIMA members (correct)

To establish regulations for health insurance

To influence medical billing practices

The AHIMA Code of Ethics serves __________ purposes.

seven

What is one principle of the Code of Ethics?

Advocate for the individual's right to privacy

What should a health information management professional do in terms of patient information?

Safeguard all confidential patient information Signup and view all the answers

Health information management professionals must take actions against unethical practices.

True Signup and view all the answers

A health information management professional should facilitate __________ collaboration.

interdisciplinary Signup and view all the answers

Which principle emphasizes the importance of continuing education and knowledge advancement?

Advance health information management knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What should health information professionals ensure about their credentials?

State truthfully and accurately one's credentials Signup and view all the answers

What should a health information management professional do when ending their association responsibilities?

Keep all information confidential Signup and view all the answers

A health information management professional can ignore a colleague's unethical behavior.

False Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Code of Ethics

Serves as a professional ethics guide for members and credentialed professionals of AHIMA.
Aims to promote high standards of health information management (HIM) practice.

Purposes of the AHIMA Code of Ethics

Promotes high standards of HIM practice.
Identifies core values underpinning the HIM mission.
Summarizes broad ethical principles reflecting professional values.
Guides decision-making and actions through established ethical principles.
Provides a framework for professional behavior amid conflicting obligations.
Holds HIM professionals accountable through public ethical principles.
Mentors new practitioners on HIM's mission and values.

Principles of the Code of Ethics

Advocates for the individual's right to privacy and confidentiality concerning information use and disclosure.

Responsibilities of HIM Professionals

Safeguard confidential patient information across various domains (health, financial, genetic).
Engage in social and political actions that protect privacy and confidentiality rights.
Promote policy changes for enhanced privacy protections and compliance.
Protect confidentiality in professional services and ensure valid patient authorization for disclosures.
Respect confidentiality shared among colleagues while navigating external requests for information.
Respond appropriately to patient requests regarding privacy rights.

Integrity and Professional Conduct

Prioritize service and the welfare of others over self-interest.
Act with integrity and uphold honesty and responsibility in practices.
Anticipate and clarify conflicts of interest in professional settings.
Foster a working environment aligned with AHIMA's Code of Ethics.
Acknowledge and credit the contributions of others honestly.
Prevent personal conduct from interfering with professional responsibilities.

Information Security and Confidentiality

Protect written and electronic health information from unauthorized access.
Maintain confidentiality during data transmission and transfer processes.
Inform recipients about risks associated with electronic service provision.

Reporting Unethical Practices

Uphold ethical standards and professional conduct consistently.
Discourage, expose, and correct unethical behavior of colleagues.
Consult and assist colleagues in taking remedial action when necessary.
Use formal channels to report unethical practices when required.

Commitment to Professional Development

Engage in ongoing education, research, and sharing of knowledge to enhance HIM practices.
Ensure practice decisions are based on empirically validated knowledge.
Contribute professionally through teaching, advocacy, and participation in organizations.

Mentoring and Professional Responsibility

Mentor students and peers to foster skills and development in HIM.
Maintain respectful performance evaluation practices for students and staff.
Avoid relationships that may lead to exploitation or potential harm.

Public Representation of the Profession

Advocate for HIM in public settings and activities that highlight the profession's values.

Confidentiality and Professional Responsibilities

Carry out association responsibilities within specified bylaws and maintain confidentiality.
Disclose any conflicts of interest during professional engagements.
Ensure honest representation of credentials and professional experiences.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Engage in teamwork that considers well-being and diverse perspectives of patients.
Facilitate collaboration that clarifies obligations of health information teams.

Respect for Individuals

Treat every individual with respect, recognizing cultural and ethnic diversity.
Promote self-determination and equitable treatment across all demographics.
Ensure all voices are acknowledged and respected within professional settings.

Core Ethical Principles of AHIMA

Centered on privacy advocacy, professionalism, confidentiality, reporting unethical conduct, knowledge advancement, mentorship, public representation, credential integrity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and individual dignity.

Description

Explore the fundamental principles and purposes of the AHIMA Code of Ethics in health information management. This quiz highlights the key responsibilities and ethical standards that guide HIM professionals in their practice, emphasizing the importance of confidentiality and accountability.