A student copies an obituary from the newspaper for a patient she and other students cared for during a clinical rotation. The student posts the obituary on her Facebook page and asks if other nursing students will be attending the wake / visitation . This action is a violation of HIPAA policy?
Yes, this action is a violation of HIPAA policy. The obituary contains protected health information (PHI) of the patient, and posting it on a public platform like Facebook constitutes a breach of privacy. Even if the student didn't reveal any specific personal details apart from the name of the patient, any disclosure of PHI without written authorization is considered a violation.
Yes, posting the obituary of a patient on a Facebook page and asking about other nursing students attending the wake or visitation would likely be considered a violation of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) policies. HIPAA regulations protect the privacy and confidentiality of patients' health information.
By posting the obituary, the student is potentially disclosing sensitive information about the patient's health and their status as a patient. Even if the patient has passed away, their health information is still protected under HIPAA. Additionally, asking about other nursing students attending the wake or visitation could potentially reveal that these students had been involved in the patient's care, further violating the patient's privacy.
It's important for healthcare professionals, including students, to be aware of and adhere to HIPAA policies to protect patient privacy and maintain confidentiality.