My best friend is now a patient on the floor I work on

[EmergencyChocolate]

I am a nursing student and part time CNA, and my best friend is now a patient on the floor I work on - in fact I was initially assigned to her but had to refuse. I am confused on what I can and cannot know or do according to HIPAA. I know I can't look at her medical chart but if I happen to be working one day and I happen to overhear or notice something regarding her condition and her care (I.e she threw a tantrum, had a seizure, had a bladder scan done, or even just saying she's better or worse) )can I tell her family and friends about it? How would it be any different from a concerned visitor giving her family and friends an update when visiting for the day? What questions can I ask the staff regarding her care if anything?

To complicate matters - I can't ask my friends permission to share information because she is disoriented and unresponsive. I know the power of attorney but she is out of state. A friend also came to visit today so she knows I work on that floor and I'm not sure if she's told anyone that I work there and if so, they might be expecting me to give them updates while I'm there.

I asked the charge nurse and other experienced nurses about it but they were a bit stumped. Feedback is appreciated - I've been a bit distant because I'm not sure how involved I can get now - thanks.

[OCNRN63, RN]

I am in the middle of taking a course on informatics nursing, and we just covered this. You may not access any of her information unless you are providing care for her; for example, if her nurse asks you to cover for her while she's at lunch. In that case you would access only that information which would be necessary for you to do your job, e.g.looking up labs for a physician. You may not pore over her chart.

You absolutely may not disclose any information you read or hear with others. That could be construed as a HIPAA violation and could cost you $$$, get you kicked out of the program, and cost the facility $$$ in fines.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

OP: explain the deal to your NM and get a temporary transfer off of the floor ASAP. That way you're no where near your friend, and when your friend's family and friends ask for updates, you can easily (and truthfully!) say that you are not working on that unit and you don't know anything. And if they ask you to find out something from her chart or a drop-by visit while you're on duty, play the HIPAA card: "sorry, but I can't, it's against the law." Repeat PRN.

As far as passing on info gleaned when you are visiting her as a visitor (i.e., not on duty)...technically, you could do that and not be violating HIPAA. The problem is that how you do prove beyond doubt that you got the information as a visitor as not as an employee? Honestly, you really can't. You'd be playing with fire...IMO, I would just not say anything period.

Hope your friend has a speedy recovery.

[ktwlpn, LPN]

Thanks for the feedback - very helpful. But what about things I see/learn about when I'm off-duty (i.e she seems more responsive today, still has those tremors, seems a bit more hydrated than before)? If she needs help eating or walking to the commode am I allowed to help her as a friend or am I getting too involved in her care? Even though I'm an employee on the floor, I am a "visitor" for the day. Would HIPAA still apply then?[/quote

Are you REALLY working as a cna or is this a made up scenario for class? This is really BASIC knowledge. Stay AWAY from a friend/family member, their chart, their visitors/family while you are at work. If you visit AFTER HOURS do NOT transfer this person, don't feed her,-hands OFF. Straighten the room,soak her hands in warm ,soapy water and apply lotion, file nails,etc. Fill the water pitcher,get her something to read.Keep you mouth closed....

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

Again, talk to your supervisors. Do what they advise