A charge nurse on a step-down unit is observing staff practices regarding the management of protected health information (PHI). Which of the following actions by the healthcare team demonstrate adherence to regulatory privacy and security standards? Select all that apply.
- A nurse logs out of the electronic health record (EHR) terminal before walking down the hall to answer a client's call light.Answer
- A nurse discusses a client's transition to a rehabilitation facility with the physical therapist inside a private consultation room.Answer
- CA nurse refuses to share assessment findings with a child protective services investigator until the client's parent signs a written release.
- DA nurse delegates the responsibility of explaining the facility's privacy practices and obtaining the HIPAA acknowledgment signature to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP).
- EA nurse provides a clinical update to a client's extended family members without explicit permission, assuming group involvement is desired based on their cultural background.
- A nurse disposes of printed shift report documents containing client laboratory results into a designated secure shredding bin before leaving the facility.Answer
Answer
The correct actions include logging out of the EHR before leaving a terminal, utilizing a private room for interdisciplinary discussions, and discarding printed health information in a secure shredding bin.
The correct actions demonstrate strict adherence to confidentiality and information security standards. Logging out of the electronic health record prevents unauthorized electronic access. Using a private consultation room for interdisciplinary discussions minimizes the risk of incidental verbal disclosures in public areas. Finally, placing printed documents containing protected health information into secure shredding bins ensures that data is properly destroyed and protected from physical breaches.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules in Nursing Practice