10.5:
Ethical Standards II
Protecting patient confidentiality applies to health records, individually identifiable health information, clinical research records, photographs, biological samples, oral reporting, specialist visits, and mental health notes.
The right to privacy of a patient applies to both the confidentiality of the information and physical privacy.
Healthcare entities must ensure that patients receive a comprehensive notice of privacy practices regarding using and disclosing protected health information or PHI.
Patient data should only be shared on a "need-to-know" basis in accordance with medical necessity.
Ensure awareness of the surroundings when sharing patient information. Avoid discussing patient details with unauthorized individuals or in public areas like hallways, elevators, and cafeterias.
It is crucial to respect patient privacy and never discuss patient information with others, including their family members, without patient consent.
The nurse should avoid accessing the medical records of patients who are not under their direct care.
Always ensure patient privacy throughout medical and surgical interventions. They must occur in a professional setting with the presence of only those involved in direct care.
10.5:
Ethical Standards II
Ethical standards are the backbone of nursing practice, guiding nurses as they interact with patients, families, and colleagues. These standards are crucial for providing safe, empathetic care centered on the patient's needs.
Nurses are entrusted with upholding various ethical principles and standards. Nurses forge solid therapeutic relationships using trust, empathy, autonomy, confidentiality, and professional competence.
Confidentiality is crucial, embodying respect for individual privacy and cultivating trust within the nurse-patient dynamic. Confidentiality in patient care extends beyond the legal requirement—it is a fundamental aspect of ethical nursing. It includes all protected health information (PHI): past, present, or future physical or mental health conditions, procedures, clinical research records, images, conversations, visits, and mental health notes. Importantly, patient information must be shared strictly on a 'need-to-know' basis, upholding the patient's privacy and prioritizing their welfare.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule provides a framework to protect confidential health information, enabling individuals to maintain dignity by safeguarding their health details. This rule applies to all electronic, paper, or verbal patient information handled by healthcare entities or their business associates. The right to privacy is comprehensive, protecting personal space, especially during sensitive care procedures, and details about a person's cultural or religious affiliations, relationships, and personal preferences.
Nurses and healthcare team members must be cautious when discussing patient details, avoiding unauthorized disclosures in public spaces like hallways, elevators, and cafeterias. Respecting patient privacy involves securing consent before discussing patient details with anyone, including family members. Nurses should not access medical records of patients not under their direct care to prevent privacy breaches. Physical privacy must be safeguarded during medical or surgical interventions, ensuring only essential personnel are present unless the patient consents otherwise.