Which example demonstrates a breach of confidentiality and a violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996?

A) Giving a report to the oncoming nurse in a conference room
B) Discussing a patient's diagnosis with the patient's health care provider
C) Providing patient information to the nursing assistant caring for the patient
D) Sharing with other nurses in the cafeteria that a patient is HIV positive

Although HIPAA does not require such things as soundproof rooms in hospitals,it does mandate that nurses and health care providers avoid discussing patients in public hallways and provide reasonable levels of privacy in communicating with and about patients in any matter.Issues of disclosure,privacy,and confidentiality are important concerns when working with patients or peers infected with blood-borne illnesses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)or acquired immunodeficiency virus (AIDS),hepatitis,and sexually transmitted illnesses.Providing continuity of care,giving reports,talking to the health care provider,and providing information to the nursing assistant do not violate HIPAA.