Question

A nurse notes that the health care unit keeps a listing of the patient names at the front desk in easy view for health care providers to more efficiently locate the patient. The nurse talks with the nursing manager because this action is a violoation of which act? [23]

1. Mental Health Parity Act
2. Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA)
3. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA)
4. Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act

Answer 1

The listing of patient names at the front desk in view of individuals who are not health care providers is a violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which requires strict confidentiality of health records.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's concern about patient names listed at the front desk is related to a violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The HIPAA, enacted in 1996, sets forth standards for the protection of patient information, mandating the confidentiality of health records. The listed patient names in a high-traffic area could potentially be seen by unauthorized individuals, therefore breaching these privacy protocols. The goal of HIPAA is to ensure that health information is properly protected while allowing the flow of health information needed to provide high-quality health care.