Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What should a nurse practitioner do if a coworker asks about a patient's health status, but is not involved in the patient's care?

1. Share with the coworker the patient's health status

2. Advise the coworker to call the patient for permission

3. Inform the coworker that you cannot release information

4. Reassure the coworker about the patient's status

The correct answer is: Inform the coworker that you cannot release information

The appropriate response in this scenario involves recognizing and adhering to patient confidentiality and privacy laws, such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). When a coworker inquires about a patient who they are not involved in caring for, the nurse practitioner has an ethical and legal obligation to protect the patient's information. By informing the coworker that you cannot release information, you are upholding the patient's right to privacy and ensuring that sensitive health information is only shared with individuals who are directly involved in the patient's care or have received explicit permission from the patient. This action maintains the integrity of the healthcare professional's responsibilities and supports the trust that patients place in healthcare providers regarding their personal health data. This response is critical in fostering a respectful workplace environment while safeguarding patient confidentiality, aligning with the standards set forth in healthcare regulations.