Staff members at a community health clinic are reviewing expected standards for professional conduct. Which action performed by a practical nurse (PN) demonstrates adherence to established legal and ethical guidelines?
- Verifying a telephone caller's identity and privacy passcode before sharing any client health informationAnswer
- BDescribing the specific risks and alternative treatments for a procedure prior to witnessing a client's signature
- CWaiting to contact protective services regarding suspected elder abuse until definitive proof is gathered
- DAccepting a delegated task to perform a comprehensive initial health assessment for a newly admitted client
Answer
The action that demonstrates adherence to legal and ethical guidelines is verifying a caller's identity and privacy passcode before disclosing any health information.
Verifying a caller's identity and checking for a privacy passcode directly upholds federal and facility regulations (such as HIPAA) regarding patient confidentiality. Nurses are ethically and legally bound to prevent unauthorized disclosure of protected health information.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Scope of Practice, Confidentiality, and Mandated Reporting