Social Work Discussion Question

Respond to the DQ using the scenario below. Provide in text references. Use scholarly references. 

Post a brief description of a medical social worker’s responsibilities, under HIPAA guidelines, that apply to the case you selected. Describe the rights of the person making the inquiry, and explain how you as a medical social worker should respond. Then, describe the rights of the patient and the actions you might consider to safeguard your patient’s information. Briefly describe your professional responsibilities to protect your patient.

Question Scenario:
You are a medical social worker at a skilled nursing facility. You receive a phone call from a man who states he is one of your patient’s brothers. Your patient was admitted to the skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation after a long stay at an acute care hospital. In addition to his medical issues, your patient has rather severe mental health issues. The man on the phone is frantic and wants to know whether his brother is still a patient at the skilled nursing facility. He also asks about his brother’s condition. He asks, “Is he stable? Is he ok? Is he getting better? Is he taking his medication?” The man on the phone explains that your patient’s mother just passed away. He needs to tell his brother but does not want to do so unless his brother is able to handle the news.