If a patient’s family member asks how their loved one is doing, what can the treating physician or nurse disclose? 

Topic:  Ethics and Professionalism. 

(10 points)  What would you do?   You are a health educator responsible for the employee health promotion program at the North ridge Clinic.  Based on the results of the health risk appraisals you administered, you are aware that one of the department managers is a consistent abuser of alcohol.  The employee in question is well liked at the Clinic and is a good employee.

To the best of your knowledge, alcohol has not impacted this person’s work performance, but you feel it has the potential to do so.  What should you do with this information?  What is the ethical dilemma in this case?  Word limits: 200 words (Acceptable range: from 100 to 300 words)

HIPAA and Patient Privacy.
(7 points)
If a patient’s family member asks how their loved one is doing, what can the treating physician or nurse disclose?  Briefly discuss your answers.  Word limits:150 words (Acceptable range: from 100 to 300 words)

(3 points)
May a healthcare professional access a patient record if that patient is not under the professional’s direct care?  Briefly discuss your answers.  Word limits: 150 words (Acceptable range: from 100 to 300 words)

Required and Recommended readings
Chapter 2
Health Education Code of Ethics. (updated 2020)
https://www.nchec.org/code-of-ethics (Links to an external site.)
HIPAA-101. (2015). Welcome to HIPAA 101. Retrieved March 13, 2018 from  http://www.hipaa-101.com (Links to an external site.)
State of California. (2017). Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Retrieved March 13, 2018 from http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/laws/hipaa/Pages/1.00WhatisHIPAA.aspx (Links to an external site.)

 If a patient’s family member asks how their loved one is doing, what can the treating physician or nurse disclose? 
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