HIPAA or Hearsay?
Can a client’s name be posted on a public whiteboard in a rehab gym?
No- It violates HIPAA
You overhear two OTs discussing a client’s mental health in the hallway. Is this a problem?
Yes – it’s a breach of confidentiality.
Should a client's caregiver always receive updates?
Only if there is signed consent.
A client refuses a recommended adaptive device. What principle applies?
Autonomy
A client shares suicidal thoughts in session. Do you keep it private?
No – you have a duty to report for safety.
Is it okay to email client progress notes to a supervisor?
Only through a secure, encrypted system
You take a selfie in the clinic with a client in the background. Is this a problem?
Yes – unintentional privacy breach.
You’re working with a teen. Can their parents access all session notes?
It depends on the law and age of consent.
A client wants to work on cooking, but the family insists on grooming. What should guide you?
Client-centered goals.
A coworker jokes about a client’s diagnosis in the break room. What do you do?
Address the behavior professionally or report it.
You leave a paper chart open at the nurse’s station. Is this a HIPAA violation?
Yes- Exposed PHI
Can you text a client a reminder for an appointment?
Only with consent and no health info included.
Who can access therapy documentation?
Authorized providers, client, or others with consent.
A client refuses to participate in group therapy. Your response?
Respect their choice; explore alternatives.
A family asks you to lie to the client about their prognosis. What do you do?
Uphold veracity and client autonomy.
You use initials instead of names in emails. Still a HIPAA concern?
Yes – may still be identifiable info.
You post a case success story (no names) on social media. Is this okay?
Only with written consent.
A physician calls about your client. Can you give details?
Only if involved in the care team and proper release exists.
Your client declines services mid-treatment. Can they?
Yes – they have the right to withdraw.
You see your client at the grocery store and say, “Hi, how’s therapy going?” Is this a problem?
Yes – public disclosure of private info.
Can you discuss a case in class as a student?
Yes, but only with full de-identification.
Can you use case examples in your portfolio?
Only with consent and anonymization.
A family member without Power of Attorney wants updates. What do you do?
Deny request unless client approves.
A client wants to skip a key part of the discharge plan. Your approach?
Explore why; adapt collaboratively.
You accidentally share a client’s info in a group email. Now what?
Report breach per policy and notify supervisor.