Question

Which of these types of exposure threaten patient information? Check all that apply.

disclosing patient information without permission

sharing patient information with the public

recording patients’ signatures

discussing patient information with a coworker

archiving patient information in a database

Answer 1

Check all that apply:
- disclosing patient information without permission — Yes. (Unauthorized disclosure is a direct privacy breach.)
- sharing patient information with the public — Yes. (Public sharing exposes PHI to anyone.)
- discussing patient information with a coworker — Yes, if the coworker does not have a need‑to‑know or the conversation occurs where others can overhear.

Not usually exposures by themselves:
- recording patients’ signatures — No, not inherently. Signatures are part of the record but recording them properly is normal practice.
- archiving patient information in a database — No, if done securely and in compliance with policies. Storing data improperly or in an insecure database would be a threat.