Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

What action should an educator take if a patient requests their partner's lab results?

1. Explain that it is a HIPAA violation to share private health info with anyone but the patient

2. Provide a blank release of info form for the patient to sign

3. Suggest discussing the lab results with a provider during the next appointment

4. Provide a copy of the results, as the patient is involved in their care

The correct answer is: Provide a copy of the results, as the patient is involved in their care

In cases where a patient requests access to their partner's lab results, it's essential for the educator to adhere to HIPAA regulations, which are designed to protect patient privacy and confidentiality. The best action is to explain that sharing this private health information with anyone other than the patient would violate HIPAA guidelines. This means that even if a partner is involved in the patient's care, healthcare providers are required to safeguard personal health information and are prohibited from disclosing it without explicit permission. This reinforces the importance of patient consent and ensures that the rights of all patients are respected. By adequately addressing the patient's request within the boundaries of legal and ethical guidelines, the educator not only maintains compliance with healthcare regulations but also instills trust in the patient-provider relationship.