Overriding Confidentiality Policies in EMIS Web
In EMIS Web, confidentiality policies serve to protect patient data by restricting access to certain records or information to authorised personnel. However, there are circumstances where overriding these policies is necessary, usually in situations of clinical necessity or other vital reasons.
How to Override a Confidentiality Policy
To override a confidentiality policy, the user must have the 'Access Patient Sealed Data' activity (B0070) included in their role profile. This activity allows users to view records that are otherwise sealed by confidentiality policies.
- To override a policy on an individual record or item, open the relevant section in EMIS Web, select the patient, and double-click the padlock icon adjacent to the restricted data.
- For entire patient records, locate the patient entry marked with 'RESTRICTED' and double-click it.
- You will be prompted to select or enter a reason for overriding the confidentiality policy.
Once the policy is overridden, the information is viewable for the rest of the user session and a notification is sent to the individual who originally set the policy, as well as any relevant administrators. This action creates an audit trail, ensuring accountability and transparency.
A well-maintained confidentiality policy system not only protects patient privacy but also ensures timely access to critical information when needed, balancing safety and accessibility.
Implications of Overriding
Overriding a confidentiality policy is recorded in the audit logs, providing details about who accessed the data and why. This allows the practice to maintain a strong governance framework, ensuring patients' data is both protected and appropriately used.
Did You Know?
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