Psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and other counseling professionals are bound by rules that mandate confidentiality. The promise of confidentiality is part of what gives a patient the confidence to honestly discuss their circumstances in a professional...
Wisconsin Health & Health Care Law Blog
Upholding professional standards of care is vital
Patients who turn to medical professionals for care expect that they will receive care that – at a minimum – meets professional standards of care as defined by law. Some may have unrealistic expectations, but it’s up to each medical professional to provide accurate...
Could an angry patient try to take your nursing license?
It takes many years to become a licensed nursing professional in Wisconsin. You have to finish a degree and then complete state testing. Then, you have to apply for a license, which involves submitting to a background check. Once you get your license, you will have to...
2 seemingly minor billing practices that could be Medicare fraud
Medicare fraud might involve some shady telemarketer calling older adults and trying to trick them into giving their information out over the phone. It might involve someone posing as their older sibling to receive healthcare. However, the most expensive and common...
Why is patient confidentiality so important?
Patient confidentiality is a hallmark of good health care. A patient has to feel comfortable with their doctor or therapist, for example, to be able to have open conversations and get to the bottom of healthcare concerns. There are laws in place to protect patient...
Will your struggles with alcohol impact your nursing career?
Nursing is a stressful profession not for the faint of heart. Between grueling 12-hour shifts and continuing education requirements to maintain your license, your nursing profession requires that you constantly recommit yourself. Working a demanding and stressful job...
When is it appropriate for therapists to break confidentiality?
As a therapist, you know that your patient deserves as much confidentiality as you can give them. While you may be a mandated reporter and have to report abuse or other serious threats, you know that the majority of your sessions will remain private. For therapy to...
Do you understand the seriousness of a HIPAA violation?
When many health care professionals think about HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, they think about the fact that they can’t share their patient’s information without permission or that they have to take steps to prevent that patient...
Confidentiality regarding minors in therapy is complex
If you are a psychologist and have minor patients, you will know the basics of their confidentiality rights and the fact that legally speaking, minors do not have the right to confidentiality when in therapy. However, you as a psychologist should always use discretion...
Common reasons for a suspended nursing license
In the state of Wisconsin, nurses must go through a licensing process before they can begin to practice. Your nursing license represents years of training and demonstrates your expertise. However, the ability to work as a practicing nurse is a privilege based on your...