Auditory Environment Plays Vital Role in HIPAA Compliance
High noise levels, public discussions, & close quarters erode privacy

June 6, 2003 – The auditory environment may be the weakest link in complying with the new provisions to protect patient confidentiality and privacy in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). High noise levels, high anxiety discussions in public areas, and close quarters in hospital rooms and waiting areas all contribute to words flowing to the wrong ears.

“These potentially overheard conversations carry the very information now under the protection of HIPAA regulations,” says Susan Mazer, President of Healing HealthCare Systems (HHS) in Reno, NV. “Normal sound masking technologies that intentionally distort localization of sounds may not be appropriate for healthcare settings because of the wide use of auditory alarms for remote monitoring.”

To ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations as well as to improve the sound environment of hospitals or nursing homes, HHS recommends following these steps:

1. Assess the sound environment – pay attention to what you hear
2. Establish sound standards for communication devices and equipment, and behavior
3. Establish equipment maintenance and purchase standards based on auditory impact
4. Make decisions about patient appropriate equipment – what is needed, the best attenuation settings
5. Design areas for sound control
6. Educate staff
7. Measure results

For more details on these steps, read Mazer's article.

The privacy provisions of the federal HIPAA law apply to health information created or maintained by healthcare providers who engage in certain electronic transactions, health plans, and health care clearinghouses. More information can be found on the Department of Health and Human Services website.

Founded in 1992, Healing HealthCare Systems produces The C.A.R.E. Channel and other products and services that assist healthcare organizations in creating and sustaining clinical environments that are directly supportive of healing and recovery. HHS is currently serving hospitals in over 35 states.

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