1) Nurse has taken care of patient to include monitoring lab values. Next shift, patient is not assigned to her, but she wants to know how the patient did regarding lab draws occurring after her shift ended. So, she accesses the medical file to monitor the lab values, or other aspects of follow-up care. Is this a HIPAA violation?
2) In a small nursing home, the admissions clerk (not a nurse), joins in the case management meetings regarding patients. She then is able to confront a relative with a judgement regarding the patient's condition ("the patient is 150% better," versus the MD telling the closest relative that the patient should be hospiced). Is this a HIPAA violation? Are admissions clerks privileged to know the ongoing medical condition of nursing home patients? Does the original act of admitting a patient (and knowing why they are there) continue to extend the privilege throughout a stay? This has broader implications for general ward clerks in an acute care setting (you know you tell your clerk everything--she runs the unit :bowingpur)
I honestly don't know the answers, and I would appreciate some direction. Thank you.
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
My hospital does not use code numbers for family members to use to call and inquire about their loved ones, but that would be a great idea to implement.
pagandeva2000, LPN
7,984 Posts
My hospital does not use code numbers for family members to use to call and inquire about their loved ones, but that would be a great idea to implement.