Part I: A patienthas just left the office after having an outpatient surgery procedure. As you get
ready to put away the patient’s file, you realize that the patient has forgotten to take his

prescriptions and after-care instruction sheets home with him. It is vital for proper healing and
recovery for the patient to have these documents. You know you will have to contact this
patient so you look inside for his contact information and signed HIPAA Release of Information
form.

Questions: Part I

1. Under HIPAA, are you legally allowed to view this patient’s medical information? Why or why not?

2. In this case, how would you be able to correct your error and provide the missing documents to the patient while still protecting patient confidentiality under HIPAA?

3. Besides a HIPAA Patient Release of Information form, list 4 other items that are found in the medical record.
4. Legally, does the patient or the physician/healthcare facility own the medical record? Why?
5. List 3 ways patient confidentiality is maintained in the reception/waiting area of a medical office.

6. A breach of confidentiality can result in what consequences for a health care professional?
7. From the list of Interpersonal Ethics (found in Chapter 1 of the Fremgen text), please describe how any of those traits were demonstrated in your actions in this case scenario?
Part II: A few days later, you’re on the job and answering the phone while the physician you are

working for and your office manager are at lunch. The patient calls back to the office
complaining of immense pain. Since you hate to see patient in pain, you pull the patient’s
record and see that the physician has prescribed the patient pain medication in the past.

Seeing this, you go ahead and order the same prescription for the patient. Later that day, you
find out that the patient has suffered a cardi ac arrest due to a medication interaction

Questions: Part II

1. Would the action taken in this second scenario be within your scope of practice for your chosen field? Why or why not?

2. What determines your scope of practice for your chosen career?

3. Would Respondeat Superior apply in this case scenario? Why or why not?

4. Would the Good Samaritan Law apply in this case scenario? Why or why not?

5. What role does the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) play in regards to prescription medication?

6. What role does the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) play in regards to prescription medication and a physician’s ability to prescribe narcotics?