Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 10:50 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Apply the principles of confidentiality, privacy and security within the medical environment

Apply the principles of confidentiality, privacy and security within the medical environment

Unit of competency
National Code
BSBMED305B
State Code
D0839
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/03/2009
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
30/06/2014
Field of Education
091199 - Justice And Law Enforcement, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
30/06/2014
Nominal Hours
10
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply principles and requirements relating to confidentiality, privacy and security to own work within the medical environment.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Work within accepted codes of conduct
  • 1.1. Ensure work is reviewed and approved by a health practitioner or senior administrator who has delegated task/s
  • 1.2. Keep records up-to-date and complete tasks as required, neatly, accurately and in a timely manner
  • 1.3. Seek clarification with relevant personnel of unclear or ambiguous procedures
  • 1.4. Treat patients, colleagues and health practitioners with respect
  • 1.5. Refer health related matters raised by patients back to medical practitioners
  • 1.6. Take care to behave with honesty and integrity at all times
  • 1.7. Communicate conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest promptly to manager or supervisor
2. Follow confidentiality and privacy procedures
  • 2.1. Assess information and requests for information with regard to what is and what is not disclosable
  • 2.2. Use discretion and judgement in all communications
  • 2.3. Discuss patient-related matters within the confines of the facility and with appropriate personnel only
  • 2.4. Seek advice and clarification with relevant personnel where potential confidentiality issues arise in dealings with patients, their families and others
3. Follow security procedures
  • 3.1. Store and appropriately secure patient records and other confidential documentation
  • 3.2. Clearly label and store securely according to organisational policies and procedures, all documents required by legislation to be stored for certain periods
  • 3.3. Ensure drugs, equipment and other materials requiring secure storage and potentially posing an OHS threat to others, are stored securely at all times
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Relevant personnel may include:
health practitioners
other specialised staff
partners in the business
supervisor/manager
What is and what is not disclosable will be:
determined by the Privacy Act, the Freedom of Information Act, organisational policies and procedures, and guidelines in the practice manual which may include:
details of patients' conditions
financial information
names and addresses of patients
passwords
security arrangements
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
documenting three examples of activities in which confidentiality, privacy and security are maintained, which may include:
examples of actions taken
how difficult situations were addressed
how guidance has been provided regarding confidentiality, privacy and security and clarification obtained on such matter when required
knowledge of relevant legislation from all levels of government.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to an actual workplace or simulated environment
access to office equipment and resources
examples of scenarios working with confidentiality, privacy and security issues.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
review of record keeping
analysis of responses to case studies and scenarios
demonstration of techniques
observation of presentations
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and impact on own work routine
observation of performance in role plays
assessment of labelling and storage of patient records and other confidential documentation.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
BSBMED303B Maintain patient records