CNA Certification (Written Exam)Resident Rights and Legal/EthicalMedium
While riding the elevator at the facility, two nurse aides discuss a resident's recent diagnosis where other visitors can overhear. This is an example of a violation of:
- AInformed consent
- BHIPAA confidentiality
- CScope of practice
- DAdvance directive rights
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. HIPAA confidentiality
Discussing a resident's protected health information in a public area where others can overhear violates HIPAA confidentiality rules, which require protected health information to be shared only with those directly involved in care and in private settings.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Informed consent involves a resident agreeing to treatment after being informed, unrelated here.
- C. Scope of practice concerns what tasks an aide is legally allowed to perform, not privacy.
- D. Advance directives concern end-of-life care decisions, not privacy of conversation.
HIPAA Confidentiality
HIPAA requires that a resident's protected health information only be discussed with authorized individuals in private, appropriate settings.
- Applies to verbal, written, and electronic information
- Overheard conversations in public areas are violations
- Only share information on a 'need to know' basis for care
Memory trick: 'Loose lips in the lobby lose your license.'