HIPAA Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

HIPAA Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified What should you do if you see a coworker texting patient information on a personal phone? Report the behavior to your supervisor or privacy officer immediately Can a hospital volunteer access a patient's medical chart if asked by a nurse? No, volunteers are not authorized to access protected health information What should a nurse do before leaving a workstation with open patient records on the screen? Log off or lock the screen to prevent unauthorized access Why is sharing passwords to electronic health record systems not allowed under HIPAA? It compromises patient privacy and violates security protocols Can a nurse tell a friend that their neighbor was just admitted to the emergency room? No, this is a violation of the patient's privacy under HIPAA 2 Is it acceptable to leave a voicemail message that includes a patient’s diagnosis? No, messages should only include a request for a call back unless consent is given When using a whiteboard to track patients, what must healthcare workers avoid? Including full names or identifiable conditions in public view If a patient asks for a copy of their health record, what is the nurse’s response? Inform the patient of their right and assist them in following the facility’s process Can a student nurse access patient records during clinicals for learning purposes? Only for assigned patients and under direct supervision What should be done if a patient’s chart is found lying open at the nurse’s station? Close the chart and place it in a secure area immediately Can a nurse discuss a patient’s condition with another nurse in the hospital cafeteria? No, conversations about patients should only happen in private clinical settings 3 If a patient gives verbal permission for their spouse to be updated on their care, is this allowed? Yes, as long as it is documented and the information shared is appropriate What action should be taken if a nurse accidentally receives a fax with another facility’s patient information? Report the error, secure the information, and notify the appropriate department Is it a HIPAA violation to access your own electronic health record as a hospital employee? Yes, unless done through the proper patient portal, not the clinical system How often should healthcare staff complete HIPAA training? Upon hire and regularly as required by facility policy What must be done before emailing a patient’s medical record to another provider? Ensure encryption and verify the recipient’s identity What is the risk of discussing patient information in a multi-bed hospital room? It may lead to unintended disclosures to other patients or visitors 4 Can a healthcare worker look up the record of a famous person in the hospital? No, unless they are directly involved