Confidentiality and Privacy of Personal Health Information Practice Scenario

One of my neighbours has been admitted to my unit. I am not their assigned nurse, but their daughter calls me and asks for their lab results. Is it appropriate for me to access the chart?

No. It is never appropriate to access the health records of any client unless you are directly involved in their care. This includes your family members, friends, colleagues, “famous” people, or clients with “interesting” diagnoses. You have an ethical and legal responsibility to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of a client’s personal health information.

If your unsure if you should access a client’s personal health information you should ask yourself:

If you access client information but don’t tell anyone, it is still a breach. Your “need” to know does not supersede the patient’s right to privacy.

It is considered professional misconduct to inappropriately access a client’s record and NSCN has received complaints about this type of conduct. A complaint of this nature could result in disciplinary action.

You should review relevant privacy legislation, professional standards, and employer or health authority’s policies regarding confidentiality and personal health information (PHI). 

I do not have a primary care provider and recently had my bloodwork ordered through a walk-in clinic. My results will be uploaded in our electronic medical records system. Can I look up and view my results?

No. You cannot review your own lab results. If you want to see your lab results you can request your records following the same process as the public.  You should only access, use or share, any personal health information, including your own, for the purposes that are consistent with your professional nursing responsibilities. 

Review and be familiar with your employers authorizing mechanisms relating to  confidentiality and privacy such as policies and the Nova Scotia Personal Health Information Act. The failure to comply with an employer’s policies or legislation regarding confidentiality and access to private health information, including to your own health records could result in disciplinary action.

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For further information on anything contained within this practice support tool, please contact an NSCN Practice Consultant at practice@nscn.ca.



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