A CNA discusses a patient's condition with a caller without consent. What has the CNA violated?

When a CNA discusses a patient's condition with a caller without the patient's consent, they violate confidentiality, which is a legal obligation under laws such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). This law is designed to protect patients' privacy by restricting the sharing of their health information without their explicit permission.

Maintaining patient confidentiality is a critical aspect of the CNA's role. It fosters trust between patients and healthcare providers, which is essential for effective care. By disclosing information without consent, the CNA not only puts the patient’s privacy at risk but also potentially exposes the healthcare facility to legal repercussions and disciplinary actions.

Additionally, sharing sensitive information without appropriate consent can undermine the patient's autonomy, which is the right of individuals to make informed decisions about their own health and medical care. However, the primary violation in this scenario relates to legal obligations concerning patient privacy.