Maintaining privacy and confidentiality is crucial for several reasons: - Trust: Patients need to trust that their personal information will be kept secure to feel comfortable sharing sensitive details. - Legal Compliance: Various laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), mandate the protection of patient information. - Ethical Responsibility: The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics outlines the nurse's duty to protect patient privacy and confidentiality.
