Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered a violation of HIPAA?

1. A healthcare worker sharing patient information without authorization

2. Using patient data for marketing without consent

3. Documenting patient information in the medical record

4. Accessing patient records for non-work related reasons

The correct answer is: Documenting patient information in the medical record

Documenting patient information in the medical record is a fundamental practice in healthcare that supports the accurate tracking of a patient's medical history, treatment, and overall care. This activity is essential for ensuring continuity of care among healthcare providers and can be crucial for maintaining patient safety. Proper documentation of patient information is an expected practice and is mandated by healthcare regulations, including HIPAA, as long as it is done in compliance with privacy standards, such as maintaining the confidentiality and security of that information. In contrast, the other listed choices represent breaches of HIPAA regulations because they involve unauthorized communication or use of patient information, which compromises patient privacy and the security of sensitive health data.