Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

Which of the following is the best way for a nursing assistant to keep residents' health information confidential?

1. Discuss residents' information in public areas away from care facilities so that residents cannot hear it

2. Bring friends to the facility to meet residents

3. Store, file, or shred documents according to facility policy

4. Post updates about favorite residents on her Facebook page to avoid being overheard

The correct answer is: Store, file, or shred documents according to facility policy

The best way for a nursing assistant to keep residents' health information confidential is to store, file, or shred documents according to facility policy. This approach aligns with the legal and ethical standards of confidentiality, which are essential in healthcare settings to protect sensitive patient information. Proper handling of health information through secure filing and disposal methods ensures that unauthorized persons do not gain access to personal data, thus safeguarding the rights and privacy of residents. In healthcare, confidentiality is paramount, and maintaining security of physical records is one visible way to uphold this principle. Following the specific policies of a facility enhances compliance with regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) that govern patient privacy. Other options presented do not adequately ensure confidentiality and may even violate guidelines for protecting residents' private information. Discussions about residents in public areas or on social media could lead to breaches of confidentiality and the potential for information to be overheard or misused. Bringing friends to interact with residents without consent can also compromise privacy. These actions demonstrate a lack of understanding of the importance of maintaining confidentiality in a professional healthcare environment.