Safety & Infection Control Flashcards

A telehealth platform vendor reports a data breach affecting patient health information. Under HIPAA, within how many days must a covered entity notify affected individuals?

Answer: Within 60 calendar days of discovery

HIPAA's Breach Notification Rule requires covered entities to notify affected individuals without unreasonable delay and within 60 calendar days of discovery.

Which hand hygiene agent is most effective against Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) spores?

Answer: Soap and water (mechanical washing)

Alcohol-based products do not kill C. diff spores; soap and water with mechanical friction physically removes them.

A telehealth visit is conducted with a patient in a skilled nursing facility. Who is primarily responsible for ensuring the patient's room meets infection control standards during the visit?

Answer: The facility's infection control officer / SNF staff

The facility's infection control personnel are responsible for maintaining environmental safety standards at the originating site.

What does the acronym PPE stand for in the context of infection control?

Answer: Personal Protective Equipment

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) includes gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection used to protect healthcare workers from infectious exposure.

A telehealth coordinator is conducting remote triage. A patient mentions fever, chills, and a rash following a tick bite. What is the most important safety action?

Answer: Escalate to a clinician immediately and recommend urgent in-person evaluation

Symptoms of a tick-borne illness like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be life-threatening and require urgent clinical escalation.

Which of the following is a key element of a telehealth organization's emergency operations plan related to patient safety?

Answer: Procedures for notifying patients and redirecting care during a system outage

Emergency operations plans must include patient notification and care continuity procedures to ensure safety during system failures.

What type of isolation precaution is required for patients with suspected or confirmed influenza during an in-person follow-up after a telehealth diagnosis?

Answer: Droplet Precautions

Influenza spreads via respiratory droplets, requiring Droplet Precautions including surgical masks and eye protection within 3 feet.