Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

When can a hospital publish a patient in their directory under HIPAA guidelines?

1. When they believe the patient is not endangered

2. Only when the patient or family has opted to include them

3. When the patient has given verbal consent

4. Only with the approval of the healthcare provider

The correct answer is: Only when the patient or family has opted to include them

A hospital can publish a patient in their directory under HIPAA guidelines when the patient or their family has opted to include them. This provision is rooted in the privacy protections that HIPAA establishes to safeguard individuals' health information. The patient's or family's explicit decision to be included in the directory ensures that their participation is consensual and that their privacy is respected. This aspect of patient involvement is crucial in maintaining trust between the healthcare provider and the patient. It allows patients to have control over who has access to their information while still permitting the hospital to facilitate communication and support. Therefore, the requirement for explicit opt-in ensures that patients are fully aware of their inclusion in a public directory and can weigh the implications of that choice, reflecting HIPAA's overall commitment to protecting patient autonomy and privacy rights.