CU309P Understand how to handle information in a social care setting
Understand how to handle information in social care settings
In order to demonstrate an understanding of how to handle information, we must first define exactly what we mean by that term. Information, or data, about an individual covers any known and accessible records where an individual may be identified through the use of said data, including, but not limited to, their name, medical conditions, date of birth, medications, details of care requirements and religious preferences. These are the main pieces of information to which Health Care Assistants (H.C.As), or in the case of Hunters Moor staff Rehabilitation Assistants (R.As), have access in order to facilitate a person's care, while maintaining that individual's human rights.
1.1
There are numerous pieces of legislation which relate to the handling of information within social care settings. The most notable of these legislations is the Data Protection Act 1984, however there are other laws which help to further dictate how information should be stored, accessed and used, specifically within care settings, such as;
Civil Contingencies Act 2004 Freedom of Information Act 2000 Access to Health Records Act 1990 Access to Medical Records Act 1998 Health and Social Care Act 2001 Public Health (Control of Diseases) Act 1984 Reporting of Infectious Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations
1.2
All of the afore mentioned legislations provide frameworks for the sharing of information in different circumstances. Though the Data Protection Act 1984 gives a broad set of guidelines relating to the collection, handling and sharing of data, it leaves much to be interpreted when dealing with specific situations, however as a starting point, the 8 guidelines set out in this law are sufficient. This legislation states that data, or information, must be;
1. processed fairly and lawfully and in accordance with a legitimising condition
2. processed for specified and not incompatible purposes
3. adequate,
In order to demonstrate an understanding of how to handle information, we must first define exactly what we mean by that term. Information, or data, about an individual covers any known and accessible records where an individual may be identified through the use of said data, including, but not limited to, their name, medical conditions, date of birth, medications, details of care requirements and religious preferences. These are the main pieces of information to which Health Care Assistants (H.C.As), or in the case of Hunters Moor staff Rehabilitation Assistants (R.As), have access in order to facilitate a person's care, while maintaining that individual's human rights.
1.1
There are numerous pieces of legislation which relate to the handling of information within social care settings. The most notable of these legislations is the Data Protection Act 1984, however there are other laws which help to further dictate how information should be stored, accessed and used, specifically within care settings, such as;
Civil Contingencies Act 2004 Freedom of Information Act 2000 Access to Health Records Act 1990 Access to Medical Records Act 1998 Health and Social Care Act 2001 Public Health (Control of Diseases) Act 1984 Reporting of Infectious Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations
1.2
All of the afore mentioned legislations provide frameworks for the sharing of information in different circumstances. Though the Data Protection Act 1984 gives a broad set of guidelines relating to the collection, handling and sharing of data, it leaves much to be interpreted when dealing with specific situations, however as a starting point, the 8 guidelines set out in this law are sufficient. This legislation states that data, or information, must be;
1. processed fairly and lawfully and in accordance with a legitimising condition
2. processed for specified and not incompatible purposes
3. adequate,