Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

What information do clergy members receive when visiting a hospital?

1. A general overview of hospital operations.

2. A list of all patients receiving treatment.

3. A list of patients who have identified themselves as members of the same denomination.

4. Personal medical histories of each patient.

The correct answer is: A list of patients who have identified themselves as members of the same denomination.

Clergy members receive a list of patients who have identified themselves as members of the same denomination to facilitate spiritual support and guidance to those patients. This approach aligns with HIPAA regulations, which allows healthcare providers to share specific patient information with clergy if the patients have consented to that disclosure. This ensures that the clergy can offer relevant pastoral care and establish a connection with those who want spiritual support during their hospital stay. The other options do not align with HIPAA guidelines or the typical protocol of information sharing in a healthcare setting. A general overview of hospital operations does not pertain to patient privacy and may not serve the clergy's purpose directly related to patient care. A list of all patients receiving treatment would violate privacy regulations, as it includes individuals who may not wish to be disclosed to anyone outside their care team. Similarly, personal medical histories are highly sensitive information that is protected under HIPAA, making it inappropriate for clergy members to receive without specific consent from the patients.