A home health nurse is explaining a HIPAA acknowledgement form to a client in preparation for them to sign it. Which of the following information should the nurse provide?

Choice A reason: This statement is true and relevant. The nurse can share the client's current medical information with other providers who are involved in the client's care, such as physicians, nurses, therapists, or pharmacists. This is necessary for the coordination and continuity of care.

Choice B reason: This statement is false and misleading. The billing department at the agency will not have access to the client's medical record, but only to the minimum necessary information for billing purposes, such as the client's name, date of service, and diagnosis code.

Choice C reason: This statement is false and misleading. Assistive personnel will not be able to access the client's prior admission information, unless they are directly involved in the client's care and have a legitimate need to know. The client's prior admission information is protected by HIPAA and can only be disclosed with the client's authorization or for specific purposes.

Choice D reason: This statement is partially true, but not the best answer. The health care provider will assist the client in making decisions about who to disclose their health information to, but the client has the ultimate right to decide. The client can also revoke or modify their authorization at any time.

Choice A reason: Evaluating the methods of successful smoking cessation programs is an important step in planning a smoking cessation program, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse needs to assess the needs and characteristics of the target population before selecting the most appropriate methods and interventions¹.

Choice B reason: Gaining community support for the program is a key factor in ensuring the program's sustainability and effectiveness, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse needs to identify the stakeholders and partners who can help with the program's implementation and evaluation².

Choice C reason: Determining the prevalence of smoking in the community is the first action the nurse should take. This is an assessment step that will help the nurse estimate the magnitude of the problem, identify the risk factors and barriers, and prioritize the goals and strategies for the program³.

Choice D reason: Formulating objectives for the smoking cessation program is a planning step that requires assessment data. The nurse should not formulate objectives without first determining the prevalence of smoking in the community and the needs and preferences of the potential participants⁴.