A nurse answers a telephone call at the unit desk from an individual requesting a medical update on an adult client. Arrange the following actions the nurse should take in the correct sequence to ensure client confidentiality and information security.
- 1Ask the caller to state their full name and their relationship to the client.
- 2Review the client's electronic health record (EHR) to verify the individual is listed as an authorized contact.
- 3Request the caller to provide the facility-required privacy code or password.
- 4Disclose the appropriate medical information based on the caller's authorized status.
- 5Document the disclosure of information and the caller's identity in the health record.
Answer
The correct sequence is to first identify the caller, then check the authorized contact list in the EHR, next authenticate the caller using the privacy code, then disclose the information, and finally document the interaction.
Ensuring confidentiality over the telephone requires a systematic approach. The nurse must first identify the caller (name/relationship), then verify authorization (checking the EHR for consent), followed by authentication (requesting the privacy code). Only after these security gates are passed can Protected Health Information (PHI) be disclosed. Finally, all disclosures must be documented to maintain an audit trail.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Telephone Verification and HIPAA Compliance