# Which actions reflect HIPAA-compliant handling of protected health information (PHI) by a nurse? Select all that apply.

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=375135&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Psychosocial Integrity  
> category: PSI

## Question

Which actions reflect HIPAA-compliant handling of protected health information (PHI) by a nurse? Select all that apply.

1

Discuss the case in an elevator using a room number instead of the patient's name to avoid direct identification.

2

Verify identity and patient permission before disclosing information by phone.

3

Limit a permitted disclosure to the minimum information needed for its purpose.

4

Share care-relevant information with a spouse when the patient agrees or a best-interest exception applies.

5

Disclose PHI when required by law or otherwise permitted by HIPAA.

## Explanation

HIPAA requires reasonable safeguards and limits many uses or disclosures to the minimum necessary information. A nurse should verify identity and authority before a phone disclosure. Information directly relevant to care may be shared with a spouse or another involved person when the patient agrees, does not object, or—if the patient is incapacitated or unavailable—the clinician uses professional judgment that sharing is in the patient's best interest. HIPAA also permits disclosures required by law and specified public-health or legal disclosures. Public elevator discussion is not an acceptable safeguard; a room number can still identify the patient.

## In-depth explanation

HIPAA decision rule
Verify who is asking, confirm the legal basis for disclosure, and share only what that purpose allows. A spouse does not receive unrestricted access automatically.

Family and friends
HIPAA allows care-relevant information to be shared when the patient agrees or does not object. If the patient is incapacitated or unavailable, a clinician may use professional judgment to share information that is directly relevant and in the patient's best interest.

Official source
HHS guidance on sharing with family and friends — https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/faq/2086/does-hipaa-privacy-rule-permit-doctor-discuss-patient-s-health-status.html

## Clinical scenario

Day shift on med-surg. Family member calls for update. Husband asks about wife condition while wife is asleep.

## Key concepts

- **HIPAA** — Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; US privacy and security rule for PHI.
- **minimum necessary** — HIPAA standard limiting PHI disclosure to amount needed for purpose.
- **PHI** — Protected Health Information; individually identifiable health data.

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