HIPAA violation?

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I received a text from a family member that my husband's aunt had been admitted to the hospital where I work. It just so happens that my department received an order for an inpatient consult. So I got in her chart and went and saw her in her room like I do with all of my other patients. Do any of you know what can and cannot be discussed with family without violating HIPAA? This seems like such a gray area between my family's family member and a patient of mine. Thanks!

If i see family at the bedside, from the get-go, I would just ask "Hi ___ I just got on, and for my clarification, is it okay to discuss details about your care while family members are present?" Most of the time, my patients gives consent.

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Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.
I would ask the patient and if they approve then it's not a HIPAA violation to share information with the family.

I wouldn't do it without a signed release.

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
We were consulted by her cardiologist to start her in our program. She is not technically a family member, either.

Even if she is only an ancillary family member the appropriate action would be to recuse yourself from her care. If there is no other nurse available to take this role this you say nothing to any member of the family unless she specifically indicates on the appropriate written release that you may do so.

Hppy

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