Commun ty Matters Topeka Presbyterian Manor
January 2015
HIPAA 101
Whistle while you work
A simple question doesn’t always have a simple answer. “Why did my friend go to the hospital?” seems to be a simple question, but the answer is blocked by a federal law. While most think of the law as the protector of medical records, privacy isn’t even in its name.
Some days, his job is emotionally draining. Other days, it’s light and uplifting.
We call it HIPAA (pronounced HIP-pah), but the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 also has been known as the Kassebaum-Kennedy Act or Kennedy-Kassebaum Act. Sen. Nancy Landon Kassebaum, R-Kan., was a leading sponsor of the bill, along with Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass. The official explanation is: “An Act To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to improve portability and continuity of health insurance coverage in the group and individual markets, to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in health insurance and health care delivery, to promote the use of medical savings accounts, to improve access to long-term care services and coverage, to simplify the administration of health insurance, and for other purposes.” The main intent was that the health industry would save money by computerizing paper records. That led to concerns over privacy, which led to new privacy regulations. HIPPA, continued on page 2
Chaplain relies on humor to help residents
“I split my responsibilities between Presbyterian Manor and a local hospice. While I’m here, I can still whistle while I work, so that’s what I do,” said the Rev. Terry Frizzell, Presbyterian Manor chaplain. Terry is known for his warm demeanor, and more specifically, his sense of humor. “When we’re in chapel, I frequently mess up the words. Not on purpose, but I think it’s a humorous relief for the residents,” he said. “They’re pretty forgiving.”
The Rev. Terry Frizzell enjoys a pastor appreciation reception put on by residents and employees.
He’s been working in ministry since he was 22 years old, or as he calls it, “fresher than fresh can be.” He’s worked in retirement communities, hospices and congregations, and has found a home at Presbyterian Manor.
“I like to joke that I’ll work here until I can move in,” Terry said. “I’m just past the half-century mark, so it’ll be awhile now, but it wouldn’t be a bad deal!” Terry wears many hats as chaplain, from preaching, to hospital ministry to funeral services to vespers. He enjoys relating to the people and understands much of his job involves crisis ministry. “When I came here, they already had a good foundation of spiritual support, thanks to the previous chaplain, Alina Ash. She was loved tremendously, and I didn’t dare try to fill her shoes. I’m just glad to walk the path she left behind,” said Terry. “They’ve allowed me to be who I am, which is wonderful. As a matter of fact, I’m the first non-Presbyterian chaplain they’ve had here. I guess my probation period is over, and they decided to keep me!” CHAPLAIN, continued on page 6