As a nurse, HIPAA isn’t just background noise or a form you ask patients to sign. It’s the law that governs how you communicate, where you store patient info, what you can share—and with whom. It’s not just about doing the right thing. It’s about keeping your license, protecting your patients, and staying employed. 

In this guide, we break down what nurses absolutely need to know about HIPAA — in plain English. Whether you’re new to nursing or need a refresher, this guide is for you. 

HIPAA for Nurses: What It Is and Why It Matters 

What is HIPAA? An acronym for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, HIPAA is designed to protect sensitive patient health information. For nurses, this means understanding what information is protected, how to keep it secure, and what not to do. 

Imagine this: You accidentally mention a patient’s condition in the hallway or snap a photo in the break room where patient charts are visible. These simple acts can violate HIPAA and result in serious consequences for you and your employer. 

6 Critical Things Nurses Need to Know About HIPAA 

The HIPAA Privacy Rule also gives an individual the right to access their own health records, including test results, labs, etc., from their physicians. In addition, it allows a personal representative authorized by the individual to access their health records. 

With this background in mind, let’s examine some of the important aspects of HIPAA that nurses need to know. 

#1 What Counts as Protected Health Information? 

Nurses should have a thorough understanding of what is deemed Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA. According to The HIPAA Journal, insufficient knowledge about what constitutes PHI is a major driver of HIPAA-related complaints to the Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights. 

Healthcare providers may share PHI about a patient with each other, provided all parties have an established relationship with the patient and the discloser reveals only the minimum amount of information needed by the recipient. This can be done without the patient’s consent. 

#2 HIPAA Security Measures Nurses Must Follow 

Covered entities—medical facilities, nursing homes, and pharmacies—are required to put security measures in place to protect private information. These include: 

  • Policies for access control 
  • Locked filing cabinets and rooms 
  • Passwords and other security credentials for digital systems 

As a nurse, you’re responsible for following these policies to protect your patients and yourself. 

#3 Common HIPAA Violations

Nurses Might Not RealizeMany healthcare professionals may violate HIPAA without even realizing it. Examples of infractions include: 

  • Taking selfies or other photos in the workplace. 
  • Discussing a patient’s condition with coworkers who are not treating the same patient. 
  • Discussing a patient’s condition in front of visitors. 
  • Talking about a patient with their own significant other. 

Bottom line? If someone doesn’t have a clinical need to know, refrain from sharing. 

#4 State Laws May Be Stricter than Federal HIPAA Guidelines 

State and local laws protecting patient privacy may be more stringent than HIPAA requirements. In these cases, nurses must follow the stricter requirements.  

#5 Repercussions of Violating HIPAA 

When nurses violates HIPAA, the consequences may include: 

  • Receiving a warning or remedial HIPAA training 
  • Losing their job and/or nursing license 
  • Fines or legal penalties for the employer 
  • In more severe cases, criminal penalties 

#6 Why HIPAA Training Is an Ongoing Process 

HIPAA rules have been updated multiple times since 1996, most recently in 2024. To stay compliant, updated training on an annual basis is generally recommended. Employers will arrange this training for their nursing staff and other employees subject to HIPAA. 

Prepare for a Leadership Role With Expanded Expertise and Credentials 

In addition to being fully versed in HIPAA, you’ll need to know much more if you aspire to make the transition from RN to nursing leader. The University of Texas Permian Basin’s CCNE-accredited online RN to BSN program was designed for busy nurses like you who want to provide a higher quality of care and have the opportunity to compete for advanced roles in the profession. 

Our world-class, flexible program enables you to: 

  • Learn from master’s- or doctorally prepared nurses, many of whom have been working in the field for decades. 
  • Complete your degree online from any location that suits you, on your own schedule, around your shift hours and personal commitments. 
  • Meet your clinical requirements at a local facility with a qualified preceptor of your choice.  
  • Earn an optional Nurse Manager Certificate from Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing at the completion of your degree. 

Give your nursing career the boost it needs. Find out more and apply to our online RN to BSN program today! 

Sources: 
https://www.hipaajournal.com/hipaa-compliance-for-nurses
https://www.healthit.gov/topic/hipaa-versus-state-laws
https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/hipaa/hipaa-violations-enforcement
https://www.hipaajournal.com/what-happens-nurse-violates-hipaa


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