A coworker asks about a patient’s health without being involved in their care. What is the appropriate action for the nurse practitioner?

When a coworker, who is not involved in a patient's care, inquires about that patient's health, the appropriate action for the nurse practitioner is to inform them that patient information cannot be shared. This response is rooted in the principles of patient confidentiality and privacy, which are fundamental to the ethical practice of healthcare.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) establishes regulations that protect sensitive patient information from being disclosed without the patient's consent. Maintaining confidentiality fosters trust between patients and healthcare providers, encouraging patients to be open about their health concerns. By firmly upholding this standard, the nurse practitioner ensures that patient rights are respected and that the practice adheres to legal requirements.

In this context, sharing the patient’s health information, advising the coworker to contact the patient directly, or merely reassuring the coworker about the patient's well-being without proper knowledge could violate ethical standards and regulations governing patient privacy. Therefore, reiterating that patient information cannot be shared is the most appropriate and ethical action to take in this situation.