During a home health visit, a practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client recovering from a mild stroke. The client is currently resting in the bedroom, but remains fully alert and oriented when awake. The client's adult child, who is visiting to assist with household chores, asks the PN for a printed copy of the client's current medication list to help organize a weekly pill organizer. The adult child is not designated as a healthcare proxy and is not listed on the client's authorized disclosure form. Which of the following is the most appropriate action for the PN to take?
- Wait for the client to awaken and ask for their direct verbal permission before sharing the medication list.Answer
- BProvide the printed list to the adult child because they are an immediate family member involved in the client's daily care.
- CInform the adult child that they must legally obtain healthcare proxy status before any medical information can be disclosed.
- DVerbally review the medication names and dosages with the adult child instead of handing over the official printed document.
Answer
Wait for the client to awaken and ask for their direct verbal permission before sharing the medication list.
Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), a competent client has the right to control who receives their protected health information (PHI). Because the client in this scenario is alert and oriented, they retain full authority over their medical records. Since the client is currently asleep and this is not a medical emergency, the nurse must wait for the client to awaken to obtain their verbal consent before sharing the medication list with the adult child. Verbal consent given by a competent client in the moment is legally sufficient for sharing PHI with involved family members.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Client Confidentiality and HIPAA Authorization Nuances