A practical nurse is managing communications at the nurses' station and receives several inquiries regarding clients. Match each request for information with the legally and ethically appropriate nursing action.
- An individual calls, states they are the client's clergy member, asks for the client by name, and requests their room number. The client has agreed to be listed in the facility directory.Provide the requested detail as directory guidelines permit this basic disclosure.
- A law enforcement officer arrives at the station demanding the blood alcohol test results of a client involved in a collision, without presenting a warrant or court order.Deny the request and clarify that specific legal authorization is necessary before releasing this protected health information.
- A social worker from the rehabilitation facility where the client is being transferred later today calls to verify the client's current medication list.Share the requested information because it is directly related to the continuity of care and treatment operations.
- A nursing assistant who bathed the client during yesterday's shift, but is floating to a different floor today, calls to ask if the client's pain is better.Withhold the information because the individual does not have a current, direct need-to-know for providing client care.
Answer
The appropriate actions are: Clergy request matches allowing directory disclosure; Police request matches denying without legal authorization; Transfer facility request matches sharing for continuity of care; Floating nursing assistant request matches withholding due to lack of current need-to-know.
Each scenario represents a distinct rule under HIPAA. Directory disclosures are permitted unless restricted. Treatment operations allow provider-to-provider sharing. Law enforcement requires legal documentation. Staff access is restricted strictly to current clinical need.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
HIPAA Permitted Disclosures and the Need-to-Know Principle