Course Description
One of the reasons the Health Insurance and Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was established was to protect a patient's health information and to maintain patient confidentiality and autonomy. It is the responsibility of radiologic technologists (RTs), as well as any healthcare provider, to adhere to HIPAA laws and regulations, as well as be aware of any additions or updates to them in their everyday practice and in regards to evolving technology. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) as well as the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) have developed a Code of Ethics and Standards of Ethics, respectively, that encourage compliance with HIPAA guidelines for protecting patients' health information. In order to uphold them both, RTs of all modalities should be well versed with such regulations and changes to the law. All members of the healthcare team should also be thoroughly educated about the seriousness of violating HIPAA laws and the consequences they may suffer for failing to do so. This course will review and clarify HIPAA regulations, including all aspects of the law that pertain to the healthcare environment. It will also describe how HIPPA laws and updates apply to evolving technology in the medical field, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting evolution of telemedicine. All HIPAA updates that have been necessary in order to comply with today's ever changing and improving electronic technology will also be addressed.

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the participant should be able to:

• OUTLINE Health Insurance and Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) guidelines and updates to them and how they affect the ability to maintain patient confidentiality in healthcare today.
• EXPLAIN the obligations and expectations of RTs and healthcare workers as they pertain to HIPAA, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).
• INTERPRET the role of HIPAA in telemedicine and the digital age, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
• EXPLAIN how HIPAA guidelines and updates to them continue to improve healthcare management while maintaining patient confidentiality and positive outcomes.
• SUMMARIZE the importance of educating all RTs, healthcare providers, and staff in HIPAA regulations, guidelines, and potential violations.
• RECALL potential violations and consequences that may occur as a result of a breach in HIPAA rules and regulations.
• SUMMARIZE the ways in which technology is used in picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) to secure radiological images and patient information.
• EXPLAIN the ways in which RTs can take steps in their daily workflow to maintain security of patients' sensitive health information and medical records.

In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 15 out of 20 questions correctly to receive the CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 2.0 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit.

Texas indirect credit.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.