Question

1. in the busy long - term care facility where you work a nurse case manager, your lunch break takes an unexpected turn. while enjoying your meal in the cafeteria, you overhear a troubling conversation among some employees from the housekeeping department. they are discussing how they gained access to a neighbors medical records through the facilitys online system. what is the most appropriate course of action for the nurse case manager to take? (a) approach the housekeeping staff discreetly and inform them of their violation of hipaa rules. (b) report the incident to the companys hipaa privacy officer for further investigation. (c) bring the issue to the attention of the housekeeping manager and direct her to fire the staff involved. (d) disregard the matter and resume your lunch as if nothing happened.

Explanation:

Reporting to the HIPAA - privacy officer follows proper protocol. Approaching staff directly may not ensure proper handling, directing firing is beyond a nurse case - manager's role, and disregarding is unethical.

Answer:

B. Report the incident to the company’s HIPAA privacy officer for further investigation.