Changes in healthcare practice and organization alter the framework for consideration of ethical issues and practice of occupational medicine with a consistent ethical code. In an environment influenced by industry, labor, and legal issues, the need for a strong and effective code of ethics for occupational and environmental medicine practitioners is essential. The Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC) is a network of clinical facilities and clinicians specializing in occupational and environmental medicine; members are prevention-oriented, and dedicated to research and education. AOEC recognizing the importance of a consistent ethical framework, adopted the International Commission on Occupational Health International Code of Ethics in 1996 and presented panels on ethical issues during the past four APHA meetings. In this year's panel addressing ethics in occupational and environmental medicine the central topic is confidentiality. Clifford Mitchell, MS, MD, MPH of Johns Hopkins University will speak on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 confidentiality rules as they apply to occupational medicine, an issue complicated by the growing desire for companies to prevent and manage both occupational and non-occupational disease. Linda Forst, MD, MPH of the University of Illinois will address worker/patient confidentiality emphasizing the worker productivity/wellness aspect which expands the company's role in the general health of the worker. Drs. Mitchell and Forst will present their ideas on ethics and confidentiality and then open the panel to the audience for questions and discussion.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. Discuss the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act confidentiality rules as they apply to occupational medicine. 2. Describe the relationship of confidentiality issues to the expansion of industry's role into the general health of workers.
Keywords: Ethics, Occupational Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.