Why is Patient Privacy and Confidentiality Important?
Maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality is crucial for several reasons:
Trust: Patients are more likely to be open and honest about their health issues if they trust that their information will be kept confidential. Legal Requirements: Laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States mandate stringent measures to protect patient information. Ethical Obligations: Nurses are bound by professional codes of ethics, such as those outlined by the American Nurses Association (ANA), to maintain patient confidentiality.
