Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

Which of the following actions is inappropriate when dealing with a resident's personal information?

1. Discussing the resident's health with authorized personnel

2. Sharing information with the resident's family without consent

3. Keeping detailed records of the resident's care

4. Reporting changes in the resident's status to the nurse

The correct answer is: Sharing information with the resident's family without consent

Sharing information with the resident's family without consent is considered inappropriate because it violates the resident's right to privacy and confidentiality. In healthcare, personal information is protected under laws such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), which establishes strict guidelines on how and when patient information can be disclosed. Family members or anyone else not directly involved in the resident's care cannot be given access to that individual’s healthcare information unless the resident has provided explicit consent. On the other hand, discussions about the resident's health with authorized personnel, keeping detailed records of the resident's care, and reporting changes in the resident's status to the nurse are all actions that respect the confidentiality policies and are essential for providing safe and effective care. These actions ensure that necessary information is shared with individuals who have a legitimate need to know for the purpose of treatment and care management.