CNA Practice Patient Rights and Ethics Flashcards

Under HIPAA, patient health information may be shared without written authorization with:

Answer: Other healthcare providers directly involved in the patient's care

HIPAA permits sharing protected health information with treating providers for the purpose of continuity of care.

You hear a coworker loudly discussing a patient's diagnosis in a busy hallway. This is a violation of:

Answer: Patient privacy and HIPAA regulations

Discussing identifiable patient information in areas where others can overhear violates HIPAA's privacy standards.

A patient confides they are being physically abused at home. The CNA's primary obligation is to:

Answer: Report it to the nurse immediately

CNAs are mandated reporters; suspected abuse must be reported to the supervising nurse immediately for proper follow-up.

Which action BEST protects a patient's privacy during personal care?

Answer: Closing the curtain before beginning care

Closing the curtain or door maintains the patient's visual privacy during personal care.

A patient's adult child demands to see their parent's medical records. The CNA should:

Answer: Refer the request to the nurse or medical records department

Releasing medical records requires proper authorization; the CNA must direct the request to the appropriate department.

Mandatory reporting laws require CNAs to report suspicions of which of the following?

Answer: Elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation

CNAs are mandated reporters and must report any suspected elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation to protect vulnerable patients.

In a shared patient room, which action best protects confidentiality during a care discussion?

Answer: Using a low voice and leaning close to the patient

Speaking quietly and close to the patient minimizes the chance that the roommate or visitors overhear private information.