Texas Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Who can a resident's protected health information (PHI) be shared with?

1. Anyone involved in their care

2. Only family members

3. Those who need the information for care or processing of records

4. Friends and acquaintances

The correct answer is: Those who need the information for care or processing of records

The sharing of a resident's protected health information (PHI) is governed by laws and regulations designed to protect patient privacy and confidentiality. PHI can be shared with individuals or entities that need access to this information for the purpose of providing medical care or conducting necessary administrative tasks related to health care, such as processing billing or records management. This means that healthcare providers, medical staff, and others who play a direct role in the patient’s treatment or care can be informed about the patient’s health status, medication needs, and other relevant details essential for delivering appropriate care. This ensures that residents receive the best possible attention while their privacy is respected and upheld according to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other relevant regulations. In contrast, sharing PHI with family members, friends, or acquaintances is not typically allowed unless the resident has given explicit consent for this information to be shared. This limitation ensures that the individual’s privacy rights are honored and protected, and helps to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive health information.