Final answer:
Health professionals employ several practices to protect private information in hard copy medical records, including shielding information from visitors, storing records securely, locking them away, and closing records to maintain privacy. Option A is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Health professionals protect a client's private information when using a hard copy medical record in various ways. The methods that apply are:
Shielding identifying information from view by visitors to protect the patient's confidentiality.
Returning the medical record to the designated storage area after use to prevent unauthorized access.
Locking records in your desk drawer when not in use to ensure security and privacy.
Closing the medical record when entering the client's room to maintain privacy.
Allowing the client's children to review the medical record is not a standard practice for protecting privacy and can lead to breaches of confidentiality.
Legal frameworks like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) provide guidelines on protecting patient information and ensuring confidentiality. Practices such as seeking informed consent, preserving confidentiality, and protecting subjects from personal harm are essential principles for health professionals.
Understanding one's privacy rights and the legal considerations is crucial for both individuals and providers to protect sensitive health information.