Dietetic Technician Practice Test

What could be a reason for termination of employees who improperly accessed a celebrity's medical record?

1. Violation of doctor-patient confidentiality

2. Violation of freedom of speech

3. Violation of HIPAA

4. Violation of FERPA

The correct answer is: Violation of HIPAA

The reason for termination of employees who improperly accessed a celebrity's medical record primarily relates to the violation of HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. HIPAA sets the standard for protecting sensitive patient information and ensures that medical records and other identifiable health information are kept confidential. Any unauthorized access to medical records constitutes a breach of patient confidentiality and a violation of HIPAA regulations. As a result, organizations are required to take disciplinary actions, including termination, against employees who access medical records without a legitimate purpose or appropriate authorization. This is crucial not only for protecting individual privacy but also for maintaining the integrity and trust in the healthcare system as a whole. While there are references to confidentiality in the context of doctor-patient relationships and freedom of speech, HIPAA is the specific legal framework that governs the privacy and security of health information in the United States. FERPA, on the other hand, pertains to the privacy of student education records and is not relevant in the context of medical records.