A HIPAA violation would include which action?

• A. Reading an open patient record
• B. De-identifying patient information properly
• C. Accessing a patient record you are authorized to view
• D. Discussing a patient's care with a coworker who is involved in treatment

Answer: (A)

Understanding how HIPAA governs access to protected health information (PHI) is key. PHI may be viewed only by people who have a legitimate, job-related need to know, and only the minimum amount necessary to do the job.

Reading an open patient record violates this principle because it involves viewing PHI without a defined, justified purpose or authorization. In a real setting, records shouldn’t be left accessible to everyone; if you can read a record without a specific need, you’re bypassing the minimum necessary standard and potentially exposing information to improper eyes.

De-identifying patient information properly removes identifying details, which means the data no longer contains PHI. This is a privacy-protective practice and is not a HIPAA violation—in fact, it helps organizations share data while safeguarding patient confidentiality.

Accessing a patient record you are authorized to view aligns with HIPAA. When you have a legitimate job-related reason to know, accessing that record is allowed and expected to provide appropriate care.

Discussing a patient’s care with a coworker who is involved in treatment is also appropriate under HIPAA. Sharing information with others who are part of the care team, and who need to know to coordinate treatment, is permitted as long as the discussion stays within the scope of their involvement.