title: Patients' confidentiality.
abstract: Critical care providers are often privy to confidential information in the course of clinical practice. A dilemma can arise when confidential information is requested by family members or friends of the patient. Critical care nurses must be aware of the regulations regarding confidentiality, as well as situations where the use and disclosure of protected health information are permitted.
authors.affiliation: Hospital Medicine Service, Emerson Hospital, Concord, MA, USA. cmcgowan@partners.org
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McGowan
mesh_terms: D003219:Confidentiality / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D030881:Disclosure / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D020408:Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D024382:Professional Role; D014481:United States