California Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

What is the correct response if a visitor inquires about a resident's medical condition?

1. It is acceptable to share the information

2. It is against policy to disclose such information

3. Share only if the resident consents

4. Provide the information if the visitor is family

The correct answer is: It is against policy to disclose such information

The correct response is based on the principles of patient confidentiality and privacy laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). These regulations ensure that personal health information about individuals is kept private and shared only under specific circumstances. Disclosing a resident's medical condition without proper authorization not only violates these privacy laws but also compromises the trust that residents place in their caregivers. It’s crucial for nursing assistants to understand that they should not discuss a resident’s medical details with anyone who is not authorized, regardless of the visitor's relationship to the resident. This preserves the dignity and confidentiality of the resident’s personal health information and adheres to the ethics of healthcare provision. Other responses may imply that there are situations in which sharing such information is acceptable, but they do not align with the standard practice of maintaining confidentiality except in cases of consent or direct authorized communication. Knowing that only authorized personnel can discuss a resident's medical condition ensures a respectful and lawful handling of sensitive information.