read through the following situations, discuss in each scenario how to tactfully explain to a coworker the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of the medical record. Explain the risk of the situation and how the situation could have been better handled by the coworker.

• A chart is left in the exam room
• A computer monitor screen is up with visible patient information
• A co-worker has shared their computer password with other employees
• A family member calls and requests information about a patient

Why has patient confidentiality become more difficult in the present health care environment?

As noted in the Web Hunt exercise in your textbook, review the government website related to HIPAA, www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaaLinks to an external site. Consider five questions and answers which you believe all health care professionals should know and summarize each of these for the Discussion.

And lastly, for our Discussion this week, as questioned in the Critical Thinking Exercise; what would you do if, as part of your job in handling the office mail, you came across a consultation report from a psychiatrist about one of your family members? What if it was a MRI report? What if it was the report concerning one of your coworkers? Does it matter if they asked you to "watch" for this report?