National Association of Boards of Long Term Care Administrator (NAB) CORE Practice Exam

What must the staff at a healthcare organization do regarding Larry's personal information?

1. Must tell Larry not to discuss his condition with anyone but the physician

2. May not discuss Larry's situation without his permission

3. Can talk about Larry's situation to other care recipients

4. Must explain to Larry about keeping his medical information confidential

The correct answer is: May not discuss Larry's situation without his permission

The correct answer is that the staff may not discuss Larry's situation without his permission. This aligns with the principles of patient confidentiality and privacy, which are fundamental in healthcare settings. Patients have the right to control who has access to their personal health information, and healthcare providers are obligated to protect that information. This means that unless Larry has explicitly given permission for his situation to be discussed with other parties, staff members must refrain from sharing details about his condition, in order to uphold legal and ethical standards. In the context of healthcare regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the United States, confidentiality is a critical aspect of patient trust. Ensuring that personal health details are not disclosed without consent not only protects the patient’s privacy but also maintains the integrity of the healthcare system.