A mental health nurse answers the phone. A police officer asks if a patient is still being treated on the unit, and the nurse tells the officer that the patient was discharged. Which of the following is correct regarding the nurse's response?

Explanation

• The nurse breached the patient's confidentiality. The nurse must advocate for the patient and protect their confidentiality at all times, even when interacting with police officers.

• According to HIPAA, the only time a nurse may provide private health information (PHI) to law enforcement is when reporting an injury like a gunshot or stab wound or in response to a court order, warrant, or subpoena.

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