Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title CHW 1200: Documentation, Legal and Ethical Issues in Community Health Work

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 3
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) NA

Course Description

This course focuses on the legal and ethical dimensions of the Community Health Worker's (CHW) role. Included are boundaries of the CHW position, agency policies, confidentiality, liability, mandatory reporting, and cultural issues that can influence legal and ethical responsibilities. This course also focuses on the importance and ability of the CHW to gather, document and report client visits and other activities. The emphasis is on appropriate, accurate and clear documentation considering legal and agency requirements.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

March, 2021

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Conducting needs assessments
  2. Location of resources
  3. Documentation and the client record
  4. Confidentiality and cultural respect
  5. Ethics
  6. Policies, procedures and practice guidelines
  7. Liability: Responsibility according to the law
  8. Mandatory Reporting

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Conduct a needs assessment, identify, and evaluate community resources for an individual or group’s needs.
  2. Demonstrate the proper writing documentation guidelines, using medical terminology when appropriate.
  3. Recognize and classify ethical concepts of malpractice including liability, negligence and scope of practice.
  4. Assess the value of agency policies and recognize confidentiality practices such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
  5. Explain the protocol and process of Mandatory Reporting.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

NA

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Communication
Students will communicate appropriately for their respective audiences.
Personal and Professional Accountability
Students will take responsibility as active learners for achieving their educational and personal goals.

Special Information (if any)

None