COST Medical Ethics and Law 3

Question 1

Under HIPAA, which of the following is considered Protected Health Information (PHI)?

Accepted Answer

A surgery schedule listing patient names and procedures

Answer

PHI is individually identifiable health information, so a schedule linking names to procedures qualifies.

Question 2

The HIPAA 'minimum necessary' standard requires that staff:

Accepted Answer

Access only the PHI needed to perform their job duties

Answer

Minimum necessary limits use and disclosure of PHI to the least amount needed for the task.

Question 3

A technologist posts a photo from the OR on social media showing a distinctive tattoo on a patient's arm but no face. This is:

Accepted Answer

A potential HIPAA violation because the patient may be identifiable

Answer

Any unique identifying feature can make an image PHI, and posting it without authorization breaches confidentiality.

Question 4

Which federal law requires hospitals receiving Medicare funds to inform adult patients of their right to make advance directives?

Accepted Answer

Patient Self-Determination Act

Answer

The Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990 requires facilities to inform patients of their rights regarding advance directives.

Question 5

A patient with a DNR order is scheduled for an elective oculoplastic procedure. Per AORN and ACS guidance, the DNR status should be:

Accepted Answer

Reconsidered and discussed with the patient or surrogate before surgery

Answer

Professional guidelines call for 'required reconsideration' of DNR orders before anesthesia and surgery rather than automatic suspension.

COST - Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Technologist Practice Test