At our hospital, the pts can opt out of being in the "Pt/Guest Services" computer-ie if someone calls, the operator has no record of that person being a pt. Same if they call the unit-we say "I have no information for you on anyone by that name"-which isn't technically a lie. I don't have any info for
you.
If they decide not to opt out, and someone calls, it's either "Yes, Ms. Jones is here, I'll transfer you to her room" or "No, we don't have a Ms. Jones on this floor, can I transfer you to the operator?" or something.
If you have no such policy, how about asking who's calling, having them hold, asking the Pt "Do you want me to transfer your aunt into your phone, or do you not want her aware you're here?" and then using one of the answers above based on what the pt wants. Otherwise, you really can't tell anyone over the phone that some one is a Pt, especially since you probably answer the phone identifying the unit as a postpartum. (At least that's what we learned in nsg. school and at other facilities I've oriented at)
The nurse you worked with violated HIPAA *unless* she spoke with the new mom who gave permission for her to inform her son.
Would you like to comment?
Wehter or not to tell them yes or no depends on hospital policy. Some state that you may acknowledge if they are a patient or not but then you must refer them to the family at their home. You may not release any information unless writen permission by the patient. If they are that close to the family they have their home phone and can contact them at home. Check with you supervisor........in a what if this happends kind of question. So you may get the best answer for you or you can always report this nurse to corporate compliance which is confidential
After the nurse was threatened she went back into the pt. room and asked the pt. if it was okay if she had told her son about the baby. The pt. said yes, but she got permission only after she had already told her son. Could she still be in trouble if the pt. doesn't care?
