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<\/strong><\/p>\nWhen UConn Health\u2019s Office of Healthcare Compliance and Privacy (OHCP) receives notice of a potential privacy incident, they conduct interviews with employee(s), management, human resources and union(s) (if applicable). This is time-consuming and detracts from work and patient care.<\/p>\n
Notification to Patients<\/strong><\/p>\n If an investigation shows that a breach has occurred, the law requires UConn Health to send a detailed notification letter to each patient whose protected health information (PHI) was compromised. This can significantly erode our patients\u2019 trust in UConn Health.<\/p>\n Disciplinary Action<\/strong><\/p>\n Privacy violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination from your position at UConn Health.<\/p>\n Notification to Regulators<\/strong><\/p>\n UConn Health must notify the federal government, and in some cases the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General and other regulators (including in other states) about the breach.<\/p>\n Government Investigation<\/strong><\/p>\n Reporting a breach may result in a lengthy government investigation that requires significant time and resources to manage and places our practices under a government microscope.<\/p>\n Fines and Negative Publicity<\/strong><\/p>\n Not only do privacy breaches expose UConn Health to potential fines; they attract media attention and may cause reputational harm.<\/p>\n Education and Guidance<\/strong><\/p>\n OHCP offers education and guidance to individuals and departments that have privacy-related questions or concerns. Invite us to your next staff or department meeting for a privacy refresher or question-and-answer session!<\/p>\n