ST.

BERNADETTE OF LOURDES COLLEGE

Novaliches, Quezon City
[email protected]

Master of Arts in Nursing (Leadership and Governance)

Insight Paper #2: Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Ra 10173) In Nursing Administration and

Supervision: An Insight Paper

Submitted by:

Cristito S. Guia Jr., RN

Submitted to:

Prof. Dr. Jovencio Milan

November 16, 2024

INTRODUCTION

The Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 102173) is a significant piece of legislation in the Philippines

that aims to protect individuals’ personal information in both public and private sectors

(Republic Act No. 10173, 2012). In the realm of nursing administration and supervision, this act

is crucial as it governs how healthcare providers manage patient data, ensuring confidentiality

and security.

Furthermore, privacy protection is a cornerstone of research ethics. Erickson and Millar

emphasize that privacy and confidentiality are essential rights outlined in the Patient's Bill of

Rights, underscoring the ethical and legal obligations of healthcare providers to protect personal

health data. Despite a strong commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality, the rapid

advancement of technology poses significant challenges due to increased accessibility of

sensitive information.

Additionally, as healthcare increasingly relies on technology for patient management,

understanding the implications of this legislation is vital for nursing leaders. My experience

implementing data privacy protocols in my nursing unit illuminated the importance of

compliance and the ethical responsibilities that come with managing patient information. My

main insight from studying this act is the vital role that nursing administrators play in upholding

data privacy standards, which ultimately affects patient trust and the overall quality of care.

MAIN BODY

 Personal Experience

As a nursing supervisor at a Joint Commission International Accreditation (JCIA)

accredited institution, I am committed to upholding the policies related to the Data

 Privacy Act. I was responsible for leading training sessions for nursing staff to ensure a

thorough understanding and adherence to privacy protocols. These sessions focused on

the importance of patient consent, data security, and the potential consequences of data

breaches.

This experience underscored the need for a structured approach to data management in

nursing practice, particularly given the sensitive nature of patient information. In today’s

technology-driven environment, it is especially vital to address these topics with newly

hired staff nurses, who may be more inclined to engage with social media and other

digital platforms. For example, the implications of sharing patient information online

must be carefully discussed to safeguard patient privacy.

 Feelings and Reactions

As far as my feeling is concerned, I felt overwhelmed by the responsibility of ensuring

that my team fully comprehended the complexities of data privacy legislation, especially

concerning the newer generation of nurses, often referred to as "online graduate nurses."

These individuals are typically more familiar with digital technology, which can

introduce unique challenges related to patient privacy. My concerns revolved around the

potential risks of non-compliance, including the serious implications for both patients

and staff, such as data breaches and loss of trust.

However, as I began to collaborate more closely with my fellow supervisors, my initial

anxiety transformed into an insightful sense of empowerment. Engaging in discussions

and sharing insights allowed me to appreciate the depth of our collective commitment to
 patient care and confidentiality. This collaboration not only enhanced my understanding

but also reinforced the crucial role we all play as guardians of patient information.

By facilitating these discussions, we created an environment where knowledge was

shared freely, and best practices could be developed collectively. This process

highlighted the importance of teamwork in navigating the particulars of data privacy and

reinforced our shared responsibility in protecting sensitive information. As a result, I

emerged from these experiences with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence in our

ability to uphold the highest standards of data privacy, ultimately enhancing the quality of

care we provide to our patients.

 Critical Analysis

A critical analysis of this experience reveals the multidimensional nature of data privacy

in nursing administration. One key aspect is the ethical obligation of nurses to protect

patient information. As highlighted by the Data Privacy Act, maintaining confidentiality

is not only a legal requirement but also a moral imperative (Republic Act No. 10173,

2012). This legislation underscores the need for continuous education and training,

ensuring that all staff members are aware of their responsibilities regarding data handling.

Additionally, the experience emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of

compliance within the nursing team. Encouraging open discussions about data privacy

concerns and promoting accountability can enhance adherence to protocols (Khosrow-

Pour, 2018). This perspective reinforces that data privacy is a shared responsibility,

requiring collaboration and vigilance from all healthcare professionals.

 Insight and Realizations

Through this reflection, I have come to understand that data privacy encompasses much

more than legal compliance; it is essential for building trust between patients and

healthcare providers. A thorough understanding of the Data Privacy Act has illuminated

the direct impact of privacy measures on both patient satisfaction and safety. This

realization has transformed my perspective on nursing administration, shifting from a

purely managerial focus to a holistic approach that emphasizes ethical considerations and

patient-centered care.

Additionally, I have recognized the critical need for ongoing training and resources to

keep pace with the evolving challenges related to data privacy in healthcare. This

understanding has driven me to advocate for regular workshops and updates on data

privacy legislation for nursing staff, ensuring that our practices remain current and

effective.

To further safeguard patient confidentiality, I have implemented a policy requiring all

staff nurses to sign an agreement following their training or orientation. This agreement

serves to clarify their responsibilities and acknowledge their obligations concerning the

confidentiality of patient information. By formalizing this understanding, we reinforce

our commitment to protecting patient privacy and fostering a culture of accountability

within our healthcare environment.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, my experience with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 has underscored the critical

importance of data protection within nursing administration. By prioritizing patient

confidentiality and cultivating a culture of compliance, we not only fulfill our legal obligations

but also significantly enhance the trust that patients place in our care. This trust is essential for

effective patient-provider relationships and ultimately contributes to improved health outcomes.

Looking ahead, I am dedicated to promoting continuous education on data privacy within my

nursing practice. This commitment involves not only regular training sessions but also fostering

open discussions about emerging challenges and best practices in data protection. By doing so,

we can ensure that all nursing staff are well-informed and equipped to navigate the complexities

of data privacy. This proactive approach will reinforce our role as ethical stewards of patient

information, ensuring that we uphold the highest standards of care while protecting the rights and

privacy of our patients. Ultimately, by integrating data privacy into our daily practices, we

strengthen our professional integrity and enhance the overall quality of healthcare delivery.
REFERENCES

Erickson, J., Millar, S. (2005). "Caring for Patients While Respecting Their Privacy: Renewing

Our Commitment". OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing. 10

Khosrow-Pour, M. (2018). “Data privacy: Concepts, methodologies, tools, and applications”. IGI

Global.

Republic Act No. 10173. (2012). *Data Privacy Act of 2012*. Retrieved from [Official Gazette]

(https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2012/08/15/republic-act-no-10173/)