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Difficulty: MediumConfidentiality and Information Security

A practical nurse (PN) is gathering supplies in the unit's clean utility room. A staff member from a different department enters and asks, "I heard a rumor that our former nursing supervisor was admitted to your floor this morning. Is it true, and how is she doing?" Which response by the PN is most appropriate?

  1. "I cannot confirm whether she is a client here or discuss any health information."Answer
  2. B
    "She is resting comfortably, but I am not allowed to share any specific medical details."
  3. C
    "Since you are a facility employee, you can look up her admission status in the electronic health record."
  4. D
    "I can verify that she was admitted to our unit, but her medical condition is strictly confidential."

Answer

The most appropriate response is to state that the nurse cannot confirm whether the individual is a client or discuss any health information.
Under client privacy and confidentiality regulations (such as HIPAA), a nurse must protect all aspects of a client's protected health information (PHI). This includes the mere fact that an individual is admitted to the facility. Because the inquiring staff member is not involved in the client's care, the practical nurse must neither confirm nor deny the admission, nor provide any updates on the client's status.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the request made by the staff member from a different department.
The staff member is asking for confirmation of a client's admission and an update on their condition.
Identifying the exact nature of the inquiry helps determine if the person is authorized to receive this information.
2
Evaluate the staff member's authorization to access this client's protected health information (PHI).
The staff member is not involved in the client's care, meaning they have no clinical 'need to know' and are unauthorized to receive PHI.
Regulations dictate that PHI should only be shared with individuals directly involved in the client's care or those who have explicit consent.
3
Determine the appropriate response to maintain confidentiality.
The PN must refuse to confirm the admission or provide any updates, regardless of the inquirer's employment status at the facility.
Even confirming a client's presence in a facility is a breach of confidentiality if the inquiring party is unauthorized.

Key Concept

Confidentiality and Information Security
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Topics

Confidentiality and Information Security

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