EMTs are legally obligated to protect a patient's privacy under which regulation?

• A. APGAR
• B. HIPAA
• C. CQI
• D. DCAP

Answer: (B)

Protecting patient privacy is a legal and ethical obligation in EMS. HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, sets the standards for safeguarding identifiable health information and governs how that information can be shared. In practice for EMTs, this means you disclose only to people who need the information to treat the patient or to bill and coordinate care, and you avoid discussing details in public or with individuals not involved in the patient’s care. When you hand off care at a hospital or communicate with another provider involved in treatment, share only the minimum information necessary. Some information may be shared for public health reporting or as allowed by law, but otherwise keep it confidential. The other terms listed aren’t about privacy laws: APGAR is a newborn assessment tool, CQI relates to evaluating and improving care quality, and DCAP is a trauma assessment mnemonic.