Understanding and Upholding Privacy and Confidentiality in Nursing: A Closer Look at BON Rule 217.11(1)(E)

QUESTION

BON Rule 217.11 (1) Standards Applicable to All Nurses (E) Privacy / Confidentiality mandates the nurse respect the patient’s right to privacy by protecting confidential information. Which of the following is a violation of this rule? Question 6 options: Asking another nurse for their opinion about how to plan care for a specific patient while at lunch in the cafeteria. Informing the patient’s daughter she will have to ask her father about his test results Tell the patient the blood sugar value when he/she asks Logging out of the electronic medical record when finished with documentation

ANSWER

Understanding and Upholding Privacy and Confidentiality in Nursing: A Closer Look at BON Rule 217.11(1)(E)

Introduction

In the realm of nursing, privacy and confidentiality are paramount. These principles ensure that patients feel safe and secure while receiving care. BON Rule 217.11(1)(E) outlines standards that mandate nurses to respect a patient’s right to privacy by protecting confidential information. In this context, we will explore four scenarios to determine which of them constitutes a violation of this rule.

Scenario 1: Asking another nurse for their opinion about how to plan care for a specific patient while at lunch in the cafeteria.

Analysis: In this scenario, discussing a patient’s care plan with a colleague outside of a clinical setting, specifically during lunchtime in the cafeteria, violates the patient’s right to confidentiality. Even if the conversation is well-intentioned, it exposes sensitive patient information to individuals not involved in the patient’s care, compromising their privacy.

Scenario 2: Informing the patient’s daughter she will have to ask her father about his test results.

Analysis: This scenario involves a nurse communicating with a patient’s family member. However, the nurse appropriately redirects the family member to inquire about the test results directly from the patient. This action aligns with maintaining patient confidentiality, as it does not disclose any confidential information to an unauthorized party. It is not a violation of BON Rule 217.11(1)(E).

Scenario 3: Tell the patient the blood sugar value when he/she asks.

Analysis: In this case, when a patient directly inquires about their blood sugar value, providing this information is within the boundaries of nursing ethics and legal standards. The patient has the right to access their own medical information, and the nurse’s response respects their autonomy and right to know about their health. This action does not violate BON Rule 217.11(1)(E).

Scenario 4: Logging out of the electronic medical record when finished with documentation.

Analysis: Properly logging out of the electronic medical record (EMR) after completing documentation is a critical aspect of safeguarding patient confidentiality. Leaving the EMR logged in could potentially allow unauthorized individuals to access sensitive patient information. This action aligns with BON Rule 217.11(1)(E) and is essential for maintaining patient privacy.

Conclusion

BON Rule 217.11(1)(E) underscores the significance of preserving patient privacy and confidentiality in nursing practice. Among the scenarios presented, discussing a patient’s care plan in a cafeteria setting (Scenario 1) is a violation of this rule as it exposes confidential information to unauthorized individuals. Conversely, the other scenarios demonstrate actions that adhere to the principles of patient privacy and confidentiality, as they prioritize the patient’s rights and well-being. Nurses must continuously uphold these standards to ensure the highest quality of care and maintain the trust of their patients.