Management of Care: Confidentiality and privacy

Can a nurse talk to the family of a patient w/out the patient’s permission?

No

Can a nures talk to a person who has power of attorney for healthcare w/out permission of the patient?

Yes, that is the whole purpose of POA.

If a family member calls for information but the patient has not given permission for that person to know, what should the nurse say?

“I can neither confirm nor deny whether that person is here or not here.”

Can a minor have protection from parental/guardian knowledge under confidentiality laws?

No, not unless they are an emancipated minor or a female who is or suspects she is pregnant.

If an HCP wants to see the medical record of a patient who is not their patient and there is no referral order… What should the nurse say?

“No, you cannot see the medical record w/out a referral.”

If a hospital administrator wants to see the medical record of a patient the nurse should say?

“No, unless you can document why you have a legitimate need to know.”

What is physical privacy?

Separation of the patient by space or barriers?

What is psychological privacy?

The perception by the client that they have privacy.

What is the most common way nurses violate a patient’s psychological privacy?

Talking about other patients, themselves, or other staff members.

If a nurse wants to talk to a patient about their health situation but it is a semi-private room, what should the nurse do?

Ask the other patient to leave the room or remove the patient from the room and talk privately… the same goes for visitors.