Professional & AdministrativeQuestion 95 of 100
A technician overhears coworkers discussing a celebrity patient's diagnosis in the cafeteria. What is the ethical and legal concern here?
a.There is no concern since staff can discuss patients anywhere
b.It is acceptable because the patient is famous
c.It breaches patient confidentiality and HIPAA to discuss protected information in a public area
d.It is only a problem if a visitor complains
Explanation
Discussing a patient's protected health information in a public place like a cafeteria breaches confidentiality and violates HIPAA, regardless of the patient's fame. Patient information should be shared only with those involved in the patient's care and in private settings. Maintaining confidentiality is both an ethical duty and a legal requirement.
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