If a laboratory worker accesses the entire medical record for a patient without authorization, what have they violated?

When a laboratory worker accesses the entire medical record for a patient without authorization, they have violated HIPAA, which stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. HIPAA is a federal law designed to protect the privacy and security of individuals' medical information. Under HIPAA, healthcare providers and their associated personnel are required to access patient records only for legitimate purposes, such as treatment, payment, or healthcare operations, and only when authorized to do so.

Accessing a patient's medical records without proper authorization constitutes a breach of confidentiality and can lead to significant legal repercussions for the individual involved and the organization they work for. This violation undermines the trust that patients place in healthcare providers and can result in disciplinary actions, including termination of employment and potential legal penalties.

While patient confidentiality and adherence to ethical standards are also crucial components of healthcare practices, the specific violation at hand refers directly to the regulations outlined in HIPAA regarding unauthorized access to medical records. Therefore, the right answer highlights the legally binding nature of HIPAA in protecting patient information.