The patient brings suit against a health care provider. How does this action affect the confidentiality of the patient's medical record?
1. The record remains confidential and may only be accessed by the patient's attorney.
2. The record becomes discoverable by all parties to the suit.
3. The record loses confidentiality and is discoverable by any interested party.
4. The record is used only as needed to preserve confidentiality.
When President Clinton signed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act in 1996, many provisions concerning confidentiality of medical records became law. What were other provisions of this act? Choose all that apply.
1. An antifraud and abuse program
2. A law preventing portability of health care coverage
3. Tax incentives for preventive care
4. Establishment of state governments as health care regulators
5. Streamlining of transfer of patient information between insurers and providers
The nursing student began a case study paper by writing, J.P., a 65-year-old Asian male, was admitted to the intensive care unit at Southwest Hospital. What is the significance of this statement?
1. It is incomplete, as the date and time of admission should be included.
2. It is a good description of the patient to begin the paper.
3. It is incomplete, as the patient's physician's name should be included.
4. It violates Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act regulations.
The parents of a 17-year-old who is receiving substance abuse treatment have asked the provider for information about their child. What is the correct action by the health care provider?
1. Refuse the request as it is likely to interfere with the treatment plan.
2. Only release information if the patient has signed consent to do so.
3. Release the information immediately as parents always can receive information on minor children.
4. Refuse the request pursuant to the provision of the common law duty to disclose.