Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) Practice Exam

What must the cancer registry policy and procedure manual include according to the Commission on Cancer?

1. Patient treatment protocols

2. Confidentiality and release of information

3. Research and development plans

4. Emergency response plans

The correct answer is: Confidentiality and release of information

The cancer registry policy and procedure manual must include procedures related to confidentiality and the release of information to protect patient privacy and comply with legal and ethical standards. This is critical in handling sensitive health information, as patient confidentiality is a cornerstone of healthcare practice. By ensuring that there are clear guidelines on how patient data can be managed, accessed, and shared, the manual safeguards the integrity of the information and maintains trust between patients and healthcare providers. Confidentiality and proper release of information protocols are essential components of a cancer registry, as it involves managing a significant amount of private patient data that must be treated with the utmost care. The manual outlines the procedures for handling data in compliance with regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the United States, further emphasizing the importance of protecting patient data from unauthorized access and ensuring that relevant information is shared only with authorized entities when necessary. In contrast, while patient treatment protocols, research and development plans, and emergency response plans may be important in other healthcare areas, they are not specifically required elements of a cancer registry policy and procedure manual under the criteria set forth by the Commission on Cancer. Focus on confidentiality ensures that patient-centric principles are respected and adhered to within cancer registries.