Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

Which of the following could lead to a HIPAA violation?

1. Disclosing patient information without consent

2. Providing information to family members

3. Using patient data for research with proper de-identification

4. Maintaining proper security procedures for records

The correct answer is: Disclosing patient information without consent

Disclosing patient information without consent is a clear violation of HIPAA regulations because it directly undermines the privacy rights afforded to individuals regarding their protected health information (PHI). Under HIPAA, any use or disclosure of PHI must be authorized by the patient unless it falls under a specific exception allowed by the law. When a healthcare provider shares patient information without obtaining the necessary consent, it not only breaches the confidentiality expectation but also exposes the patient to potential harm, such as stigma or discrimination based on their health status. In contrast, providing information to family members can be permissible under HIPAA when the patient has given consent or if the disclosure is necessary for the patient's care. Utilizing patient data for research with proper de-identification adheres to HIPAA standards since de-identified information is no longer considered PHI. Maintaining proper security procedures for records is essential to safeguard PHI and is a best practice for compliance with HIPAA regulations, thereby promoting patient trust and confidentiality.