The nurse is caring for a celebrity patient who is suffering from generalized anxiety. Non-treating physicians and nurses have been asking the nurse about the case and clinical notes written by the nurse have been accessed by non-treating healthcare personnel. Which of the following statements are most appropriate regarding the patient’s medical confidentiality?

Question

The nurse is caring for a celebrity patient who is suffering from generalized anxiety.  Non-treating physicians and nurses have been asking the nurse about the case and clinical notes written by the nurse have been accessed by non-treating healthcare personnel.  Which of the following statements are most appropriate regarding the patient&rsquo;s medical confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

This patient’s medical information will need special care and require more effort and stringent procedures to maintain appropriate confidentiality. The celebrity status of this patient means that his medical information cannot be treated in the same manner as non-celebrity or any other patient in order to guarantee confidentiality.  This patient&rsquo;s information will need to be handled with extra security and care in order to maintain complete confidentiality to which this patient is entitled.  The patient&rsquo;s celebrity status does not negate his right to privacy.  The patient is not responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of his information. The hospital is and is responsible for the breeches of confidentiality that have already occurred which demand action.

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