Final answer:
In a case where a healthcare provider is viewed accessing a family member's medical records without consent, this constitutes a violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA). The appropriate response by a nurse would be to report this incident to the hospital's privacy officer to deal with it professionally and in accordance with the law.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of concern here pertains to patient privacy rights. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) enacted in 1996 makes it a priority for healthcare providers and insurance companies to maintain the confidentiality of patient health records. Given this context, if a nurse observes a male healthcare provider viewing his sister's medical record without consent, it represents a breach of this law.
The correct action for the nurse, in this case, should be A. Report the incident to the hospital's privacy officer. It is the privacy officer's job to ensure HIPPA compliance within the hospital, so they are the appropriate person to handle such situations. Confronting the healthcare provider or informing the patient's family might escalate the situation and further violates the patient's privacy. Doing nothing overlooks a potential violation of the law. Therefore, reporting to a privacy officer is the most professional, legal, and ethical response.
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