# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
with Interpretive Statements

What is the Nursing Code of Ethics?

The Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (The Code) was developed as a guide for carrying out nursing responsibilities in a manner consistent with quality in nursing care and the ethical obligations of the profession. In an effort to provide easy access to The Code, we are providing "view only" access, not only for ANA members, but for all nurses and the public.

Also, in recognition of the impact ethical practice has on patient safety and the quality of care, ANA has designated 2015 as the "Year of Ethics," highlighted by the release of a revised code of ethics for the profession. We will have a plethora of new programs and products to help increase your awareness and integration of The Code into your everyday practice.

View the Nursing Code of Ethics for Free

This is a View-Only document. Your browser's JavaScript must be enabled to view this document.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
with Interpretive Statements The Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (The Code) was developed as a guide for carrying out nursing responsibilities in a manner consistent with quality in nursing care and the ethical obligations of the profession.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the health care system, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), Public Law 104-191, included Administrative Simplification provisions that required HHS to adopt national standards for electronic health care transactions and code sets, unique health identifiers, and security. At the same time, Congress recognized that advances in electronic technology could erode the privacy of health information. Consequently, Congress incorporated into HIPAA provisions that mandated the adoption of Federal privacy protections for individually identifiable health information.

HHS published a final Privacy Rule in December 2000, which was later modified in August 2002. This Rule set national standards for the protection of individually identifiable health information by three types of covered entities: health plans, health care clearinghouses, and health care providers who conduct the standard health care transactions electronically. Compliance with the Privacy Rule was required as of April 14, 2003 (April 14, 2004, for small health plans).

HHS published a final Security Rule in February 2003. This Rule sets national standards for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic protected health information. Compliance with the Security Rule was required as of April 20, 2005 (April 20, 2006 for small health plans).

The Enforcement Rule provides standards for the enforcement of all the Administrative Simplification Rules.

HHS enacted a final Omnibus rule that implements a number of provisions of the HITECH Act to strengthen the privacy and security protections for health information established under HIPAA, finalizing the Breach Notification Rule.

View the Combined Regulation Text (as of March 2013). This is an unofficial version that presents all the HIPAA regulatory standards in one document. The official version of all federal regulations is published in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). View the official versions at 45 C.F.R. Part 160, Part 162, and Part 164.

Other HIPAA Administrative Simplification Rules are administered and enforced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and include:

OCR has established two listservs to inform the public about health information privacy and security FAQs, guidance, and technical assistance materials. We encourage you to sign up and stay informed!

Content created by Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the health care system, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), Public Law 104-191, included Administrative Simplification provisions that required HHS to adopt national standards for electronic health care transactions and code sets, unique health identifiers, and security.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Since 1992, Privacy Rights Clearinghouse has empowered individuals to protect their privacy by providing direct one-to-one assistance, creating original educational publications, and advocating for consumer-friendly policy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Official Website of The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT

# data[].attributes.body
1.  Crowdfunding is a popular source of gaining monetary support and sharing updates on patient status.  Do you feel these types of pages pose a security risk? Why or why not?

2. What education does your place of employment offer to combat privacy/security breaches of patient information?