How are patient records regarded according to company officer protocol?

Patient records are regarded as sensitive, whether active or archived, due to the inherent privacy concerns surrounding personal health information. Healthcare information is protected under various laws and regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States, which establishes rules for the handling, sharing, and protecting of medical records.

This sensitivity applies regardless of whether the records are in current use or have been archived; both types must be treated with the utmost confidentiality to protect individuals' privacy rights. Company officers and first responders must ensure that patient records are accessed and shared only with authorized personnel and in accordance with established protocols to maintain confidentiality and comply with legal requirements.

Understanding the sensitive nature of patient records is critical for fire officers and their teams as they interact with emergency medical services (EMS), ensuring they respect privacy while fulfilling their duties.