What is a CNA's responsibility regarding patient confidentiality?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) holds a crucial responsibility in maintaining patient confidentiality, which is essential in fostering trust between patients and healthcare providers. The correct response centers on the importance of protecting the privacy of patient information and disclosing it only in circumstances where it is legally required or necessary for the patient's care.

Confidentiality is a fundamental principle in healthcare that ensures patients feel safe providing personal and sensitive information to their caregivers. Legal regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States, outline the requirement for healthcare professionals to safeguard patient information. Sharing patient details publicly or discussing patients openly with colleagues without a need for such information to be shared can lead to breaches of privacy that violate ethical and legal standards. Thus, the correct answer reflects the CNA's obligation to respect and protect patient confidentiality, ensuring that information is shared only in a private and controlled setting as allowed by law or for purposes directly related to care.