NR 548 Week 8 Study Guide with Complete Solutions
2026 Update | Chamberlain University
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) - ANSWERS
provides a legal framework for handling client information
-HIPAA rules help protect the privacy of the client's identifiable health information
while facilitating communication among providers and other entities
• ensure information is available for treatment and other purposes such as
insurance benefits
-health professionals may be held legally liable by state and federal law for
breaching confidentiality
Release of Information - ANSWERS -HIPAA guides the PMHNP in making
decisions about when to share information based on their professional judgment
to prevent harm
• may be necessary for providers to share mental and behavioral health
information to enhance treatment or ensure the health and safety of the client
and others
-PMHNPs are mandatory reporters in cases of suspected child abuse
Duty to Warn - ANSWERS exception to requirements for confidentiality
-Most states have laws that allow mental health professionals to share
information about clients who may become violent
-several states, it is even mandatory for providers to report when clients may pose
a danger to themselves or others
, John is a 36-year-old with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. He lives with his mother.
His symptoms are currently well managed by medications; however, he
sometimes forgets to take them. At the visit with the PMHNP, John asks the
PMHNP to go over his medication regimen with his mother.
Is this allowed under HIPAA? - ANSWERS Yes
Rationale: In situations where the client is given the opportunity and does not
object, HIPAA allows the provider to share or discuss the client's mental health
information with family members or other persons involved in the client's care or
payment for care.
John's sister calls the PMHNP to discuss her concerns that John is under a lot of
stress and may be showing signs of psychosis. John has not permitted the PMHNP
to speak with his sister as they are estranged, and John has asked the PMHNP not
to share information.
Is it acceptable for the PMHNP to share information about John's status with his
sister? - ANSWERS No
Rationale: The HIPAA Privacy Rule permits a health care provider to disclose
information to the family members of an adult client who has the capacity and
indicates that he or she does not want the disclosure made, only to the extent
that the provider perceives a serious and imminent threat to the health or safety
of the client or others and the family members are in a position to lessen the
threat. Otherwise, under HIPAA, the provider must respect the wishes of the adult
client who objects to the disclosure.
Is it permissible for the PMHNP to listen to the sister's concerns without sharing
information? - ANSWERS Yes
2026 Update | Chamberlain University
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) - ANSWERS
provides a legal framework for handling client information
-HIPAA rules help protect the privacy of the client's identifiable health information
while facilitating communication among providers and other entities
• ensure information is available for treatment and other purposes such as
insurance benefits
-health professionals may be held legally liable by state and federal law for
breaching confidentiality
Release of Information - ANSWERS -HIPAA guides the PMHNP in making
decisions about when to share information based on their professional judgment
to prevent harm
• may be necessary for providers to share mental and behavioral health
information to enhance treatment or ensure the health and safety of the client
and others
-PMHNPs are mandatory reporters in cases of suspected child abuse
Duty to Warn - ANSWERS exception to requirements for confidentiality
-Most states have laws that allow mental health professionals to share
information about clients who may become violent
-several states, it is even mandatory for providers to report when clients may pose
a danger to themselves or others
, John is a 36-year-old with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. He lives with his mother.
His symptoms are currently well managed by medications; however, he
sometimes forgets to take them. At the visit with the PMHNP, John asks the
PMHNP to go over his medication regimen with his mother.
Is this allowed under HIPAA? - ANSWERS Yes
Rationale: In situations where the client is given the opportunity and does not
object, HIPAA allows the provider to share or discuss the client's mental health
information with family members or other persons involved in the client's care or
payment for care.
John's sister calls the PMHNP to discuss her concerns that John is under a lot of
stress and may be showing signs of psychosis. John has not permitted the PMHNP
to speak with his sister as they are estranged, and John has asked the PMHNP not
to share information.
Is it acceptable for the PMHNP to share information about John's status with his
sister? - ANSWERS No
Rationale: The HIPAA Privacy Rule permits a health care provider to disclose
information to the family members of an adult client who has the capacity and
indicates that he or she does not want the disclosure made, only to the extent
that the provider perceives a serious and imminent threat to the health or safety
of the client or others and the family members are in a position to lessen the
threat. Otherwise, under HIPAA, the provider must respect the wishes of the adult
client who objects to the disclosure.
Is it permissible for the PMHNP to listen to the sister's concerns without sharing
information? - ANSWERS Yes
