A registered nurse inadvertently transmits a facsimile (fax) containing a client's diagnostic biopsy results to an incorrect external number. Upon realizing the error, arrange the following actions the nurse should take in the correct sequence to mitigate the confidentiality breach. All options must be used.
- 1Review the fax transmission log to confirm the exact destination number.
- 2Contact the unintended recipient immediately by telephone.
- 3Request the unintended recipient to securely shred or destroy the document.
- 4Notify the facility's Privacy Officer or compliance department.
- 5Complete and submit a formal incident or variance report regarding the breach.
Answer
The nurse must first confirm the destination number on the fax log, immediately call the recipient, instruct them to destroy the document, notify the Privacy Officer, and finally complete an incident report.
The correct sequence prioritizes immediate containment of the HIPAA breach, followed by internal reporting and documentation. First, the nurse must assess the situation by verifying the transmission log to identify the unintended recipient's number. Second, the nurse must immediately call the recipient to halt further unauthorized disclosure. Third, during the call, the nurse must instruct the recipient to securely destroy the protected health information (PHI) to mitigate exposure. Fourth, the nurse must verbally inform the facility's Privacy Officer so that legal and regulatory breach protocols can be initiated. Finally, the nurse completes a factual incident or variance report for the facility's risk management records before the end of the shift.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Mitigation and Reporting of Protected Health Information (PHI) Breaches