hippa question

[tangerine]

Hello to Allnurses.com

I have been searching for a site, such as this, and am in need of advice. So, if you can, please help, and thank you in advance.

I am an LPN almost 30 years now. Here is my question, of which I am very concerned.

I recently had a grandaughter of a patient of mine. Here is the scenario: She wanted to know why her Grandfather seemed "out of it". She had also, asked, if I could give her a list of the meds he was on, and a few other questions. I asked her if she had a privacy code, she did not. My mistake, came out when she said to me, "Why does my Grandfather seem so out of it"? Is it the medications? I said, it may have to do with the CVA. The minute I said that I knew I should not have. It just came out, I have NO excuse for saying that. He HAD a HISTORY of a CVA, I did not mean it was a new CVA. I then, said, she would need a privacy code, I could not discuss more with her. I KNOW, I slipped. Now, to all the nurses reading this, what do you think? Have I violated the patient's rights in any way? Please think this over, and let me know, from a professional level, and without emotion (I already have that with this issue). Thank you for any advice or comments.

[bobnurse]

I dont think so. You can give out generalized info, just not specific. The best thing to do is to refer her to the other family members who can update her on the situation. Something like, "Mrs. Smith, (Wife of patient) will is usually in around noon, she can update you in regards to his condition."

[pricklypear]

I don't think you violated anything. I'm sure she already knew he had a history of CVA. So, worst case scenario, now she thinks he had another on. A misunderstanding which needs to be cleared up. But you didn't tell her any new information related to his condition.

This issue just drives me crazy. Families NEED to communicate with each other. There have been times where I've gotten 4 calls in 2 hours from various members of the same family asking the same thing. Of course, none of them are "on the list." I'll usually say "Mrs. ___ was here this evening, why don't you call her and she will answer your questions." Then they say, "Well, I'm not sure if she will talk to me, we had an argument last year." And you think I'm going to tell you her husband's medical information??????? Then they just won't quit. "Did he have a heart attack or not? When will he get out of the hospital? What kind of surgery did they do? Who's his doctor again?"

Good luck, try not to worry too much:)

[tangerine]

Thank you Prickly Pear and Bob for your replies.

I did speak to my RN charge nurse today, she asked Where this was said, and it was next to the patient, in his room, and she said, that was ok, because, the patient was present, and did not object to his Grandaughter's questions, and my reply. So, I feel better about the situation, and I have also learned from this. What is surprising, is how quickly, something can go from being professional to questionable. Very thin line sometimes, especially where HIPPA is concerned. Thank you again, I appreciate your responses to my concern. )