Module 7
Confidentiality, Records, and Professional Ethics
“A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” — Proverbs 11:13
Lesson
What You Will Learn
- Explain why confidentiality matters in every office
- Describe basic privacy laws such as HIPAA and FERPA at a general level
- Protect paper and electronic records
- Recognize and respond to ethical dilemmas
Lesson Notes
Why Confidentiality Matters
Front-office staff see private information: addresses, health details, finances, personnel matters, and legal issues. Sharing it, even casually, can harm people and break the law. Your employer trusts you with it.
Privacy Laws in Brief
HIPAA protects health information in medical settings. FERPA protects student education records. Many other rules protect financial and personnel information. You do not need to be an expert, but you must follow your employer's privacy policies and ask when unsure.
Protecting Records
Lock screens when stepping away (Windows key + L), keep files out of view, shred confidential papers, never share passwords, and discuss private matters only with those who need to know, in private.
Ethical Dilemmas
Ask: Is it legal? Is it within policy? Would I be comfortable if my supervisor saw it? Does it respect the person's dignity? When unsure, ask your supervisor.
Key Terms
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Confidentiality | Keeping private information private |
| HIPAA | Federal law protecting health information |
| Need to know | Sharing only with those who require the information for their work |
| Shred | Destroy papers so they cannot be read |
In-Class Activities
Confidential or Not?
Sort the 12 information cards into Confidential or Generally Shareable (e.g., office hours, a client's diagnosis, a coworker's salary, the event calendar).
Ethics Scenarios
Discuss: a friend asks if someone they know is a client; a coworker asks you to share your password; you overhear private news about a coworker; your supervisor asks you to backdate a document.
Assignment: Confidentiality Pledge
Write a personal confidentiality pledge (half page) describing how you will protect information at work, and three specific practices you will follow every day.
Graded with the Module Assignment Rubric.
Reflection Journal
Proverbs 11:13 says a faithful spirit keeps a confidence. Trust is built slowly and lost quickly. Have you ever had your private information shared? How does that shape how you will treat others' information?
Prayer focus: Ask God for a faithful spirit that keeps confidences and honors others.
Weekly Reading & Devotions
Keeping Confidences
Front-office staff see private things: health information, family problems, finances, legal matters. People may never know you saw their information, which is exactly why keeping it private is a matter of character.
Proverbs says a talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter (11:13). Keeping confidences builds trust with employers, coworkers, and the people you serve.
Many women coming home have had their private lives exposed: in court, in records, in gossip. You know how that feels. That knowledge can make you a fierce protector of others' privacy.
When you face an ethical dilemma, ask: Is it legal? Is it within policy? Would I be comfortable if my supervisor saw it? Does it respect the person's dignity? When unsure, ask.
Think About It
- How has your own privacy been treated in the past? ______________________
- What confidentiality practices will you follow? ______________________
- What would you do if asked to do something unethical? ______________________
Daily Devotions for Week 7
A Faithful Spirit
He that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.— Proverbs 11:13 (KJV)
Keeping confidences shows a faithful spirit.
Reflect: Who trusts you with private information?
Pray: Lord, make me trustworthy.
Do: Keep one confidence faithfully this week.
Love Covers
For charity shall cover the multitude of sins.— 1 Peter 4:8 (KJV)
Love protects others instead of exposing them.
Reflect: Whose story do you need to protect?
Pray: Lord, let love cover in my words.
Do: Refuse to repeat one piece of gossip.
Integrity Guides
The integrity of the upright shall guide them.— Proverbs 11:3 (KJV)
Integrity guides decisions in gray areas.
Reflect: What decision needs integrity's guidance?
Pray: Lord, guide me by integrity.
Do: Ask for guidance on one unclear situation.
Do Unto Others
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.— Matthew 7:12 (KJV)
Treat others' information the way you want yours treated.
Reflect: How do you want your information handled?
Pray: Lord, help me treat others as I want to be treated.
Do: Lock your screen every time you step away.
Daniel's Faithfulness
Forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.— Daniel 6:4 (KJV)
A consistent record of faithfulness protects your reputation.
Reflect: What would a faithful record look like for you?
Pray: Lord, make me faithful like Daniel.
Do: Do one right thing no one will notice.
Module Quiz
- 1.
HIPAA protects:
- 2.
When stepping away from your computer, you should:
- 3.
A friend asks whether someone is a client. You should:
- 4.
Sharing your password with a trusted coworker is acceptable.
- 5.
Name three ways to protect confidential records.