Confidentiality

Definition

Confidentiality in pharmacology for nurses involves maintaining the privacy of patient information and ensuring that it is not disclosed without consent. It is a fundamental aspect of ethical and legal responsibilities in healthcare.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Breaching confidentiality can lead to legal action and loss of nursing licensure.
2. Patient information must be shared only with authorized personnel directly involved in the patient's care.
3. Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems have strict protocols to safeguard patient data.
4. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) sets the standard for protecting sensitive patient information.
5. Informed consent is necessary before sharing patient information with third parties.

Review Questions

• What are the potential consequences of breaching patient confidentiality?
• Who is allowed access to a patient's confidential information?
• What federal act primarily governs the protection of patient information?

Related terms

Informed Consent: A process by which a patient agrees to treatment after being informed about its risks, benefits, and alternatives.

HIPAA: A US law designed to provide privacy standards to protect patients' medical records and other health information.

Protected Health Information (PHI): Any information about health status, provision of healthcare, or payment for healthcare that can be linked to an individual.