Professional Responsibility State Practice Exam

What must a nurse do if they need to disclose information about a health consumer to other healthcare team members?

1. Inform the health consumer and seek their permission

2. Disclose the information without notifying the health consumer

3. Make judgments solely based on past cases

4. Consult legal counsel before notifying the health consumer

The correct answer is: Inform the health consumer and seek their permission

The chosen answer emphasizes the importance of patient autonomy and the principle of informed consent in healthcare practices. When a nurse needs to disclose a patient's information to other healthcare team members, it is crucial to first inform the health consumer and seek their permission. This approach fosters trust between the healthcare provider and the patient, ensuring that the patient is fully aware of who will be privy to their health information and why it is necessary for their care. In many jurisdictions, legal and ethical guidelines mandate that healthcare professionals respect a patient's right to confidentiality and privacy. Seeking permission aligns with the best practices related to informed consent, where patients are empowered to make decisions regarding their own healthcare information. Priority in such situations is given to the patient's right to control their personal health information, and obtaining consent is generally seen as a responsible and ethical practice. Therefore, this choice reflects both legal standards and ethical obligations in healthcare settings. It also serves to protect the healthcare provider from potential claims of violating patient confidentiality.